This practice plays a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and promoting a harmonious social environment in Fuenlabrada. It does so through a federation of 31 local and immigrant associations, known as FLTB, which was formally founded in 2015. 

FLTB was founded in a town whose historical immigration trends had created an ideal environment for fostering citizen participation and the promotion of human rights. A consistent and prominent local public policy on social welfare and immigration facilitated the seed from which the local federation sprang in 2010.  

The federation has codified its mission and vision in its own statutes, which emphasise the importance of making diversity visible, highlighting the benefits of interculturality to enhance inclusion and coexistence within the city.  

Fuenlabrada has approved its Local Action Plan of the Urban Agenda (LAPUA) which serves as a guide for the implementation of public policies until 2030. Totally aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, the action plan defines three strategic priorities, among which are Identity and cohesion. Facilitating and promoting co-governance and spaces to favour inclusion processes and coexistence makes up one of the key pillars of this strategic priority. 

Fostering mutual collaboration and support, FLTB has developed a number of activities that contribute directly to the LAPUA’s objectives with the support of the Municipality. These include:

• Discussion labs
• Inter-associative meetings, with commemorative activities on key days such as: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Refugee Day and Human Rights Declaration Day
• Fuenlabrada Solidarity Network, composed of more than 50 volunteers. The network is automatically activated in case of crisis or humanitarian needs like COVID, the war in Ukraine, La Palma’s volcanic eruption, or the Syria crisis
• One-stop-shop for newcomers
• A new Citizen Audit Network, auditing public services from an inclusion and diversity perspective
• Anti-rumours strategy working to eradicate rumours that generate prejudices 

All these actions, implemented over nearly 10 years, have made it possible for diversity and inclusion to become key cross-cutting pillars for the sustainable urban development of the city.  

Although FLTB’s support is primarily social, the organisation is also key in promoting co-governance, climate action and economic growth. FLTB amplifies societal voices, fostering environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices through its debate labs, where urban issues are discussed by policymakers and citizens. These discussions cultivate a community deeply engaged in the pursuit of sustainability and resilience. 

FLTB’s diversity ensures that a broad range of perspectives are considered in shaping public policies such as economic inclusion policies. One of FLTB's key roles is disseminating policies and programmes from the municipal public entity for entrepreneurship, training and employment (CIFE), ensuring that these resources reach traditionally underserved groups. A significant example of FLTB's impact is the widespread participation of migrants and individuals with migrant backgrounds in the Urban Innovative Actions project MILMA. This is a testament to FLTB's effective collaboration with the municipality, demonstrating how inclusive policies and programmes can successfully foster integration and provide employment opportunities. 

In conclusion, FLTB not only enhances social cohesion but also drives progress in environmental sustainability and economic development. It ensures that all segments of the population, regardless of their background, have a voice in shaping a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for Fuenlabrada. 

FLTB demonstrates a robust participatory approach by actively involving a diverse range of stakeholders throughout its development and implementation. Evidence of this includes the establishment of collaborative platforms like Discussion Labs, among other initiatives previously mentioned. 

Key stakeholders include local community members, who provide valuable insights and feedback on the city's needs and priorities. These stakeholders collaborate through regular meetings, co-design sessions, and joint decision-making processes with the local government, such as the audit process through which citizens demand changes in public services. 

In terms of organisation and decision-making, FLTB is structured around a "motor group" composed of ten people selected by stakeholder representatives. The selection process for the motor group adheres to diversity and inclusion criteria. 

The motor group is responsible for day-to-day and operational decisions, although assemblies are also organised for key decisions. 

Finally, a notable example of this participatory approach is the inclusion of immigrant associations in the planning process. This ensures that the project addresses the needs of all community segments and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among participants. By integrating diverse perspectives, the project not only enhances its relevance and impact but also strengthens community cohesion and resilience. 

At local level, this practice has had a deep impact on fostering community cohesion and enhancing governance transparency. It has addressed significant challenges such as social exclusion, limited citizen engagement in decision-making, and insufficient environmental awareness. 

Through actions such as establishing Discussion Labs and inclusive decision-making platforms, FLTB has significantly increased citizen participation in local governance processes, as well as contact with migrants in the population.  

Today, a more empowered community actively contributes to local development. This means local decision-making is more informed and inclusive, with a greater diversity of voices being heard and considered in policy formulation. 

In terms of social impact, FLTB’s inclusive approach has fostered a stronger sense of community among residents including marginalised groups like immigrants. 

This practice can be adapted to facilitate social inclusion processes in diverse urban contexts. Its flexible and scalable framework allows customisation to different city sizes and needs. Stakeholder engagement can be tailored to local communities, NGOs and government bodies. It aligns with various policies, respects cultural diversity and facilitates cohesion. EU cities can pilot the practice, learn from others, and refine it to address their unique challenges, promoting inclusive, sustainable urban development. 

This is particularly relevant in light of Europe’s current migration challenges. Cities must be highly prepared to welcome migrants or refugees, while also becoming more social and cohesive. Policies must favour the inclusion of these people in citizenship, making it possible for migrants and refugees to contribute to the development of European cities.  

This practice aligns with multiple national, international and European objectives. It directly contributes SDGs 5, 10, 11, 16 and 17. At EU level, Fuenlabrada signed the Urban Agenda for the EU’s Partnership on Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees: FLTB directly contributes to many of their defined actions. 

It also adheres to LAPUA, approved by the local government, and is likely to facilitate the establishment of community structures elsewhere in the EU. These structures promote immigrant inclusion, decision-making processes, co-governance, diversity and interculturality.  

In terms of transferability, Fuenlabrada mentored the cities of Oulu, Finland, through a European Urban Initiative city-to-city exchange, and Livadia, Greece, Both cities learned how to implement similar participatory and inclusive practices tailored to their unique needs, focusing on community engagement, co-governance and social inclusion.