Asocapitales: Network of Cities for Welcome, Inclusion, and Development

Colombia

Jun 4

Written By Sophie van Haasen

Asocapitales (Asociación Colombiana de Ciudades Capitales)

Chair

Fernando Galán

Start of Project

January 2024

End of Project

December 2026

Overview

The Network of Cities for Reception, Inclusion, Integration, and Development is a strategic platform that connects Colombia’s major cities to transform migration into a driver of prosperity, innovation, and regional development. The Network brings together municipalities that account for 66% of Colombia’s migrant population, including cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Cúcuta. As the technical secretariat of the Network, Asocapitales commits to strengthen local migration governance through technical coordination, data sharing, and advocacy on public policies at the national and international levels. We pledge to promote the dignity of migrants and returnees, facilitating their social and economic integration through effective cooperation among municipal governments, the national government, and the international community. Asocapitales pledges to help the Network establish itself as a knowledge management platform to transform narratives, bridge institutional capacity gaps, and scale innovative solutions that ensure social cohesion and sustainable development in these regions.

Expected and Achieved Impact

Achieved impact: In 2024, the network developed a technical, coordination, and experience-sharing agenda through six technical assistance sessions and a “Hola América” meeting on reception, inclusion, and development, held with support from the IOM and the World Bank. In 2025, it promoted coordination between member cities and the migration authority (Migración Colombia) to address risks associated with migration control and the analysis of human mobility scenarios in Latin America. In 2026, the network has focused on identifying best practices and promoting a common agenda for the representation of the network’s cities within the FEMI

Lessons Learned:

The network is necessary to address common challenges faced by cities in operational, legislative, and fiscal matters. However, accessing funding sources since 2025 has been a persistent and common challenge.