Joint EIP-UCLG report on peer learning for local migration governance now out!
This new report, co-written by EIP and UCLG, reviews the Mediterranean City-to-City Migration (MC2CM) project with a focus on its peer-to-peer (P2P) learning component. Starting from the realities of migration and displacement in the Mediterranean, it analyses the nature, quality and effects of the P2P learning and partnerships undertaken in the context of the MC2CM project, and identifies the challenges that might have resulted. The report proposes creation of a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework that would highlight the positive effects of P2P learning and address challenges encountered.
The MC2CM project connects 22 cities to improve and facilitate urban migration governance. Led by the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and UCLG, it addresses the critical theme of migration governance across the Mediterranean. Throughout 2015-22, MC2CM organized 16 peer-learning events focused on interactive learning among cities were implemented, using innovative and interactive tools such as field visits or games.
Findings compiled in the report speak to the value of P2P learning. For instance, the study demonstrates how P2P learning enabled participating cities to be better equipped to engage in migration through better access to data and enhanced understanding of concepts and policies around migration. Further, it was observed that the MC2CM project helped participating cities network and contribute to migration policy dialogue, for example through contributions to the Lampedusa Charter process.
This EIP-UCLG study also goes beyond documenting the effects of peer learning. It builds on the experience and results of, and challenges faced by the MC2CM initiative to propose building blocks for a new monitoring, evaluation and learning framework that could be applied to other similar, network-based learning projects. The MEL framework can help better track effects of learning, demonstrate results, overcome challenges and link learning activities with desired policy outcomes.
This report is a new resource that will help better track the effects of peer learning among local governments, and can therefore be used by any project that wants to improve policymaking by local governments through peer learning.