The Mediterranean Migration Network was officially launched during a two-day kick-off meeting at the University of Nicosia on March 1-2, 2012. The meeting was organized by the MMN coordinator, the research and development centre, CARDET.
Present at the meeting were the Minister of Interior, Mr. Neoclis Sylikiotis, Dr. Michalis Attalides, and representatives from public and private organizations from Cyprus and Europe. Among the organizations represented, were the International Organization for Migration(IOM), the Migration Policy Group (MPG) based in Brussels, Oxfam Italia, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers from the Netherlands, High Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue (ACIDI) from Portugal, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, the Civil Registry and Migration Department, other relevant public services, NGOs, and Union representatives.
The objectives of the meeting were to:
- Understand the mission and objectives of the Mediterranean Migration Network and discuss its role within the EU and the region.
- Identify needs and challenges faced by members and explore ways in which the network can help address some of the challenges.
- Discuss the Mediterranean Migration Network’s activities and ways in which members can contribute.
During the meeting, participants were teamed into working groups of 3-4 persons. Each working group identified, presented and discussed relevant needs and challenges which the integration and migration stakeholders face in their fields of work and action. Following the above session, participants discussed the potential role of the MMN and how it could address some of the needs and challenges identified. Furthermore, participants discussed the upcoming activities that will be developed in the context of the network, such as online debates, discussion papers, study visits, and seminars.
About the Mediterranean Migration Network
The mission of the network is to provide a forum for public and private organizations in the EU-Mediterranean region, active in migration and integration, to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from each other. The Mediterranean Migration Network is managed by the non-profit centre CARDET in cooperation with the consultancy firm INNOVADE.
