Projects and Activities
Multiculturalism
Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme
Information on our third annual Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme which took place from 15-19 September 2024 in London and Oxford is to follow.
FY2024
In July, the Japan Local Government Centre (JLGC) welcomed delegates from Japanese local authorities and related organisations to London as part of the Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme. Participants included representatives from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Sapporo City, Nagoya City and a range of international associations. The programme featured visits to local authorities, charities, museums and schools, offering a broad perspective on the UK’s approach to migration and multiculturalism.
Several local authorities shared their experiences of supporting migrant communities. Islington Council presented its work on Afghan resettlement, support for Ukrainians and asylum contingency planning. Other London boroughs with Borough of Sanctuary status, including Newham, Hackney and Greenwich, also contributed to discussions.
The delegation visited a playgroup for Ukrainian families run by the Big Red Bus Club and Big Red Kick, and met the director of New Arrivals Support, a community interest company supporting Ukrainians. Migration Work CIC outlined its collaboration with local authorities and international networks such as Eurocities and the Migrant Champions Network.
A visit to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) provided insights into how central and local government work together on migration-related policy. Officials shared their work on community cohesion and educational inclusion.
At the London School of Economics, participants learned about research-informed policymaking, with a focus on the Design Lab approach, where 11 London boroughs shared asylum-seeker needs and tested practical solutions.
The programme also explored faith-based and educational approaches to inclusion. Through visits to the Faith and Belief Forum and St Saviour’s School in Walthamstow, delegates learned how inclusive practices are embedded within schools with a religious ethos. Teachers and students described projects addressing migration, including sponsoring a refugee family and supporting asylum seekers.
At the Migration Museum, the delegation explored the history of migration to the UK, with particular attention to healthcare workers, and learned about the museum’s role as a community hub through initiatives such as the People’s Panel and Network Project.
The programme concluded with a visit to Brixton Business Improvement District, where local businesses shared how they support community cohesion in a diverse neighbourhood.
JLGC thanks all participating organisations for their valuable contributions. Delegates will share their learning with local government officials across Japan, supporting efforts to create welcoming and inclusive communities.
FY2023
JLGC hosted its first Multicultural Communities Policy Exchange Programme in July 2023. The delegation included officials from cities and prefectures across Japan and visited a wide range of UK organisations, including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester City Council and several London boroughs. The programme was supported by the University of Oxford’s Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS).
Participants included officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Nagoya City, Shiga Intercultural Association for Globalization, Hamamatsu Foundation for International Communication and Exchange, the Japan International Cooperation Center and CLAIR’s Yamanashi Prefecture branch. Their work covered areas such as support for Ukrainian refugees, children’s services and programmes for Brazilians of Japanese heritage.
The programme began in London with a visit to Islington Council, where staff shared their work supporting diverse communities, including the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Afghan support programmes and services for residents with no recourse to public funds.
At the London Borough of Waltham Forest, participants learned about initiatives such as the No Space for Hate programme, which tackles hate speech and promotes inclusion. The visit also offered an opportunity to experience British culture through a traditional afternoon tea.
The delegation explored the UK’s migration sector beyond local government through visits to organisations such as the Migration Museum in Lewisham, where participants learned about migration history and the museum’s close links with the local community. Migration Work CIC also shared its work supporting communities and advising policymakers.
Another key theme was multiculturalism and interfaith engagement among children. Visits to Our Lady and St George Catholic Primary School and the Faith and Belief Forum highlighted school-linking programmes that bring together pupils from different faith backgrounds to build understanding and reduce prejudice.
The programme also included visits to Manchester City Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where participants learned about initiatives such as Equalities Panels, designed to ensure diverse voices are represented in policymaking.
A further highlight was the visit to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, where officials discussed collaboration between national and local government, including the delivery of the Homes for Ukraine programme and support for BNO passport holders from Hong Kong.
JLGC thanks all host organisations for their warm welcome. The programme provided a valuable opportunity for Japanese and UK local government officials to exchange ideas and reflect on how to strengthen multicultural and inclusive communities in both countries.
