World Mayor 2016 Project Winner Announced
February 14, 2017, Hamilton, ON – It was announced this morning that Mayor Bart Somers, the Mayor of Mechelen, Belgium is the winner of the 2016 World Mayor Project. World Mayor Commendations are being conferred to Wolfgang G Müller, Mayor of Lahr, Germany and Georgios Kaminis, Mayor of Athens, Greece.
Sincere congratulations on being recognized for this honour to Mayor Somers, Mayor Müller and Mayor Kaminis for their dedication and work in welcoming newcomers to their respective cities.
City of Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger was one of only two Mayors in North America to be shortlisted for the World Mayor 2016 Project. The shortlist for the 2016 World Mayor Prize, which was released on October 20th 2016, included 15 Mayors who, together with their communities, have made exceptional efforts to welcome refugees and integrate migrants into their communities.
Hamilton continues to offer a refuge and a home to all those who seek safety and freedom from violence, persecution and discrimination. We remain a place they can call home where they can fulfil their dreams and aspirations; a place to raise a family. Each generation of newcomers are woven into the intricate and diverse fabric of our community. They are Hamilton.
“My recent nomination as a World Mayor in 2016 represents far more than a personal honour, rather a richly deserved recognition of the generosity of all Hamiltonians and a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our newcomer community. Hamilton is for everyone.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger