The Regional Director for the Communities stressed in Australia the Regional Government's commitment to the development of initiatives that "promote the full integration of migrants, both for emigration and immigration."
 
Paulo Teves spoke at the meeting of the International Steering Committee in Sydney, pointing out the various initiatives promoted and supported by the Regional Government with the Diaspora and the immigrant communities residing in the archipelago. The members of this body also highlighted the attention drawn to the integration of migrants.
 
"Our commitment is to always work with those who have left their land and with those who come to the Azores towards their full integration into different societies. This goal is achieved through the monitoring of their migratory processes and the support provided to various associations in the Region and in the communities that share the same goal," stressed the Regional Director.
 
According to Paulo Teves, "a successfully integrated community, besides the benefits and opportunities it offers, reinforces the presence of the land of origin in the host society."
 
The meeting, attended by more than thirty participants from 25 countries, also addressed the programme of the next international conference to be held in the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau in June 2019, an initiative organised by the Government of Canada.
 
Composed of institutions from more than 30 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Oceania, the International Steering Committee is the main decision-making body of the Metropolis organisation, an international network for research, development and policy advocacy on migration, diversity and integration.
 
The Azores have become part of this network since 2011, following the organisation of the international conference that year, with the purpose of contributing to the promotion of good integration practices as well as the stimulation of relations with the Azorean diaspora; the latter was highlighted by the members of the Metropolis Network.
 
During the week, the Regional Director for the Communities participated in the annual conference. This year's edition was held under the theme "Global Migration in Turbulent Times." More than 800 delegates from 38 countries will attend this event, which is considered the largest conference on migration in the world that brings together academics, government representatives and the civil society.
 
In the various sessions where he participated, Paulo Teves had the opportunity to talk about the Azorean communities residing in several countries, emphasising that they "defend, preserve and disseminate" the Azorean identity. Nevertheless, they are also "fundamental in the development of societies where they are established."
 
During this visit, the Regional Director for the Communities also visited the Portuguese Ethnographic Museum of Australia, where he met with the board and learned about the initiatives developed to promote Portuguese culture and language in this country.