“How can we create a framework to deal constructively with diversity, harness its potential and ensure social exclusion has no place?” wondered Belit Onay, Mayor of Hannover.
His question forms the cornerstone of Hannover’s ambitious vision: a framework for the city’s migration reality that guarantees participation for all—whether someone has recently immigrated, seeks refuge as a refugee, is a descendant of migrants, comes from a binational family, or has roots in Hannover that go back centuries.
A new chapter for inclusion
Historically shaped by migration, Hannover has embraced its identity as a ‘migration city’ with the launch of WIR 2.0—a comprehensive strategy designed to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity, and create equal opportunities for all.
“Everyone who lives in this city should feel part of ‘WIR’ (‘we’), regardless of where they or their parents were born,” says Onay. “WIR 2.0 acknowledges immigration as a self-evident constant of our society. It’s about how we coexist.”
WIR 2.0 outlines 85 targeted measures rooted in three core objectives: anti-discrimination, diversity, and effective communication. “Until 2020, Hannover’s integration action plan relied on a framework from 2008,” explains Birgit Steckelberg, Project Lead in the Migration Department. “There was a consensus that it was time to create a new process tailored to this diverse society.”
The measures span six fields of action—education, social issues, democracy, city life and culture, economy, and municipal administration and intercultural opening Anti-discrimination is woven throughout, acting as a cross-cutting priority. Guided by principles such as multilingualism and the celebration of cultural diversity, the plan works to strengthen social participation and societal cohesion.
Building the foundations through education
Education is a cornerstone of WIR 2.0. Initiatives like the ‘Bridges to Education’ project help Roma families access school systems, while ‘Language Learning Chains’ provide multilingual continuous support across all educational stages.
Mentoring schemes for migrant families and native-language educational initiatives further ensure that everyone has the tools to succeed. In schools, key projects like the ‘18 Project’ empower both students and educators to combat discrimination. Meanwhile, a study on anti-black racism is being conducted in collaboration with black community organisations and experts, reflecting Hannover’s commitment to listening and learning.
The city has also set clear targets: increasing the proportion of apprentices from migration backgrounds to an average of 30% in every incoming class and boosting the representation of employees with migration backgrounds in the administration by 2026.
More diversity, more democracy
Creating an inclusive society starts with addressing racism and discrimination, but it also requires ensuring equitable participation in shaping local policies. Hannover’s systematic anti-racism coaching is being introduced as a supplement to existing intercultural training within city administration teams, creating a foundation for non-discriminatory decision-making.
To further this vision, the Youth Council actively engages young people, particularly those from migration backgrounds, to co-create policies and shape the city’s future. “We bring different perspectives to the table,” explains Abdoul Tchadarou, a member of the Youth Council. “Most of us aren’t migrants ourselves but descendants of migrants, and that brings its own challenges and opportunities.”
“Even though we were born here and grew up here, and speak the language, we wanted to look further and see what happens with society after migration has already happened and how it shapes the future of the city,” he adds.
This inclusive, participatory governance is echoed in expert groups where decision-making across areas like the economy, social issues, and culture is shared equally between migrants and long-standing residents. The Youth Council has been instrumental in this, finding an umbrella association for migrant organisations, and amplifying their influence in political dialogues.
“One key message for us was creating spaces where migrant communities could express themselves and actively participate in the political landscape,” says Tchadarou. “Integration is a two-way street—everyone in this city has a role to play in building a society worth living in.”
References in culture and economic development
Through initiatives such as appointing cultural ambassadors within city districts and enriching the city archive with migration narratives, Hannover is taking significant steps to preserve and celebrate their stories. Additionally, the city administration is committed to increasing the diversity of its content and imagery across press, public relations, and municipal media, fostering a broader sense of belonging and representation.
This mindset has shaped Hannover’s creation of WIR2.0, which includes findings of the study on anti-black racism, such as exploring the experiences of black residents in Hannover.
This dedication extends to the economic sphere, where migrant businesses, often underrepresented in networks and organisations, are being brought into the spotlight. A special award not only recognises the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs but also creates opportunities for them to integrate into professional networks.
By celebrating their success, Hannover is nurturing role models who inspire others from migration backgrounds to launch their own ventures, further enriching the local economy. “These individuals not only need our solidarity but also the opportunity to participate from the very beginning,” says Mayor Onay.
Such efforts are complemented by tailored programmes designed to tackle systemic barriers to labour market integration. These include mentoring schemes for migrant employees and language courses tailored to professionals in sectors such as care. Together, these initiatives provide pathways to career advancement and contribute to a more diverse workforce.
From integration to inclusion
Hannover is redefining the conversation around migration and diversity by addressing a fundamental question – integration or inclusion?
“The term ‘integration’ doesn’t fully capture our goals,” explains Steckelberg. “It implies an outsider adapting to fit in, but we see our society as one where everyone adapts collectively.” This perspective reflects a broader, more inclusive approach—one where the focus is on shared growth and mutual adaptation rather than a one-sided expectation.
For Tchadarou, integration must be a shared effort by all members of society. “That’s why we had discussions about how we even talk about migration, diversity, and the new realities in our city. Integration is a term I personally dislike because it makes us think, ‘Hey, we’re already part of this city. We were born here, raised here, and we live here. Why should we integrate? Does that mean we’re not already part of it?’”
Integration, as Hannover envisions it, must work both ways. “This plan isn’t just for migrant communities,” Steckelberg clarifies, “but also for long-standing Hannover residents who’ve been here for centuries.” The city’s approach acknowledges that inclusion is not about ‘us and them,’ but rather about building a collective ‘we.’ As Sylvia Bruns, Head of the Department for Social Affairs and Integration, puts it, “We are moving from ‘them’ to ‘us’.”
“We aim to use more inclusive language around migration and diversity, ensuring it reflects the reality of our city,” says Tchadarou.
Hannover’s vision encapsulates a society where everyone, regardless of their background, feels a sense of belonging and can thrive. Through ambitious strategies, the city is setting a benchmark for inclusive urban development. It demonstrates how embracing diversity and leveraging migration can build stronger, more cohesive communities.
