Constantinople, Alexandria, London, Dubai, New York... All the great cities, past and present, have attracted migrants from all over the world. Women and men who, in pursuit of their dreams, contributed to the prosperity of these metropolises.
Following in the footsteps of these glorious cities, Brussels is now one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. 186 nationalities and hundreds of languages coexist in an area of 162 km2. More than 60% of its inhabitants did not have Belgian nationality at birth. One in four students in higher education is international.
These few figures testify to Brussels' diversity. It is a capital city that is open to the world, yet has retained its candour and vibrant spirit. This richness is an invaluable asset that must be celebrated and nurtured. We have everything to gain from it.
For citizens, who can learn from each other and exchange ideas. For businesses, which have access to a pool of multilingual talent with the adaptability essential in a globalised economy. And for the community as a whole, which can thrive on this fertile ground.
This linguistic and cultural diversity also presents a challenge. Contrary to some kill-joys who see languages as a source of discord, Brussels chooses to bank on the success of multilingualism. The ambition is for all residents to be able to speak their native language with pride, while also having a sufficient command of the languages that matter most in Brussels: French, Dutch and English.