Celebrating three decades of the Migration Policy Group
Kameran Shwani
Department of Labour and Economic Development, City of Munich
My Journey with MPG: Reflections on Our Joint Impact
As a civil servant in Munich’s Department of Labour and Economic Development, my work has been shaped by a dynamic and rewarding partnership with the Migration Policy Group (MPG). As MPG celebrates its 30th anniversary, I take pride in reflecting on the initiatives that have not only redefined immigrant entrepreneurship in Munich but have also strengthened our city’s role on the European stage.
My journey with MPG began with the Diversity in the Economy and Local Integration (DELI) project in 2014, an initiative that challenged outdated ideas and sparked fresh conversations on supporting migrant entrepreneurship. DELI wasn’t just about policy—it placed real stories at the heart of our work. By fostering public-private dialogue, improving access to procurement for migrant-owned SMEs, and creating tailored assessment tools, DELI showed how collaboration can fuel a thriving, diverse economy.
Since then, the cooperation between Munich’s Department of Labour and Economic Development and MPG has been a cornerstone of our work in fostering inclusive entrepreneurship. Our partnership not only has shaped public policies but also provided opportunities for direct, hands-on engagement with migrant entrepreneurs, creating an environment where they can thrive and contribute to the local economy.
Building on this foundation, our work evolved into the Migrant Entrepreneurship Growth Agenda (MEGA) project. Through roundtable discussions and hands-on workshops, I witnessed how collective ideas turned into tangible actions. MEGA reinforced our shared commitment to building inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems—highlighting best practices, fostering cross-border exchange, and emphasising the value of strong networks and culturally sensitive support. It was here that I saw first-hand how the right environment can turn potential into prosperity.
More recently, the INNOVATE Migration Research to Policy project pushed us to rethink how we support migrant entrepreneurs. On crisp February mornings, alongside colleagues and local stakeholders, we mapped out innovative strategies to bridge gaps in our entrepreneurial frameworks. This project was a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when research meets real-world application.
Looking back, my journey with MPG isn’t just measured in years but in the depth of collaboration and the courage to reimagine what’s possible. DELI sparked new dialogues. MEGA built inclusive ecosystems. INNOVATE drove practical improvements. Each initiative has played a role in shaping a Munich where every immigrant entrepreneur finds not just a place to do business, but a community that values their contributions.
As we celebrate MPG’s remarkable legacy, I remain committed to advancing our shared vision. The work continues – driven by the belief that true partnerships and bold ideas can transform challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a more inclusive future.
