Studies on Living Together | Studien zum Thema Zusammenleben

Studies on Living Together | Studien zum Thema Zusammenleben

Many of the member states of the International Observatory of Mayors on Living Together have collaborated with universities and other research institutions to conduct studies and draw up thematic papers on the topics of communal living and how to improve upon existing practices as a result of signing the Montreal Declaration 2015.

Some of the research done by the council members include:

Liaison Officers – Montreal  

The city of Montreal has implemented liaison officers in its librarys to assist newcomers by providing more substantial, user oriented services. The main idea was to encourage newcomers‘ integration by offering access to reading, information, knowledge, culture and recreation. Between 2012 and 2014 the project has reached more than 15.000 people and another 10.000 people from 2014 to 2015. The study in cooperation with the Université de Montreal concluded that customers are better welcomed and the intercultural expertise has significantly grown in the city's libraries.

Migrants Help Desk – Johannesburg  

The city of Johannesburg set up a migrant help desk to facilitate the integration of migrants and improve their participation in community structures, fulfilment of civil duties as well as elevating their contributions to the economic, cultural and social lifestyle and system. The help desk was tasked to offer a multitude of services, for example reception and tracking of new arrivals, providing assistance to find ways to learn languages and orientation programs. The migrant help desk has proven to positively influence the migrants facing issues through social support and thus lowering the tensions within the local society.

Urban safety and the global city – Montreal  

The thematic paper written by researchers from the Centre Culture Urbanisation et Société on safety and the global city focuses mainly on newly emerging public safety concerns beyond the traditional role of the state based on Montreal experiences. It tries to provide a definition of urban safety, evaluate key initiatives and institutional revolutions for civil protection. It suggests improvements in cooperations between local governments, citizens and academic institutions and starting public discussions on public safety risks and threats focusing on at risk communities and areas.

City policies on Living Together – Francophonie  

Twelve cities of the Francophonie worked together with researches from the Université de Montreal to present a first international comparative study related to „Living together“. It offers a definition of the phrase „Living Together“ analysing current issues faced by municipal goverments and evaluating the key elements of a cohesive society to conclusively show what can be done to improve the quality of life within urban areas. For example it is recommended to have a close interaction between neighbourhood action, univesity research and governmental decision making and to offer the opportunity for public discussions.

Urban conviviality and social diversity – Montreal  

Vivre ensemble à Montréal. Épreuves et convivialités is a book by the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Montreal composed of 24 texts exploring conviviality and tensions that weave links between public spaces and citizens. It discusses places of sociability, how we develop a sense of belonging to a city and the way we can live together.

Click here to find more information on the studies and research by the International Observatory of Mayor on Living Together.

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