Portfolio of Solutions: Portugal
Hello Europe in Action
Hello Portugal was launched as part of the broader Hello Europe platform through a multi-stakeholder collaboration between Ashoka, the High Commissioner for Migration, the Aga Khan Foundation, SPEAK, and Associação Pão a Pão. The initiative was brought to life through the Hello Portugal Festival, held on July 2 at Lisbon’s Ismaili Centre, gathering more than 150 participants from across the public, private, and citizen sectors.
The festival created a space for collaboration and exchange, bringing together some of the most effective and scalable solutions in the field of migration and integration from Portugal and beyond. It aimed to identify how proven innovations could be adapted and replicated within the Portuguese context, while fostering stronger connections across sectors.
Throughout the day, participants engaged with a diverse set of voices and experiences—from policymakers and practitioners to people with lived experience of migration. The programme combined storytelling, solution showcases, and collaborative working sessions. Global and local initiatives, including Welcoming International, Maldita.es, SPEAK, and Mezze, were presented, alongside innovative approaches from Portuguese municipalities.
A key element of the accelerator was collective intelligence: participants co-created a shared map of strengths and challenges in the migration ecosystem and worked directly with social entrepreneurs to explore strategies for scaling their solutions. The initiative also emphasized the importance of narrative change, highlighting the need to center the voices and experiences of people on the move in shaping more inclusive societies.
By convening diverse stakeholders and focusing on collaboration, replication, and narrative shift, Hello Portugal contributed to strengthening an ecosystem where migration is understood not only as a challenge, but as a driver of innovation, connection, and societal transformation.
Ecosystem of Solutions
SPEAK | Founded by Hugo Menino Aguiar (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Nearly half of non-EU citizens in Europe are at risk of social exclusion, facing barriers to employment, participation, and belonging. At the same time, limited opportunities for interaction reinforce prejudice and tension between communities.
THE SOLUTION
SPEAK creates spaces for connection through peer-to-peer language and cultural exchange. Using an online platform and community-based activities, it brings together locals, migrants, and refugees to share experiences, build relationships, and foster inclusion.
THE IMPACT
More than 5,700 people have participated in SPEAK events and over 6,100 in language groups, with nearly half being internationals. The initiative has strengthened social connections, increasing participants’ sense of belonging by 15% within 12 weeks and reducing language barriers for 30% of participants, while fostering meaningful relationships across communities.
COMPARTE | Founded by Maria Minas
THE PROBLEM
Migrants often experience isolation and limited integration into their communities, while local populations lack the understanding needed to build inclusive societies.
THE SOLUTION
ComParte develops participatory methodologies that bring together migrants, citizens, and decision-makers. It creates spaces for dialogue and co-creation, enabling migrants to contribute ideas and solutions that influence policies and systems.
THE IMPACT
ComParte has engaged over 565 students across more than 10 schools and facilitated multiple participatory processes that promote inclusion. By connecting communities with institutions, it strengthens civic participation and supports more inclusive decision-making.
MEZZE | Founded by Francisca Gorjão Henriques
THE PROBLEM
Refugees, particularly women, face significant barriers to employment due to limited understanding of their cultural backgrounds and persistent stereotypes.
THE SOLUTION
Mezze creates inclusive employment opportunities while fostering intercultural dialogue. It provides tools and platforms for women and youth to develop their skills, gain recognition, and contribute economically and socially. The initiative also hosts workshops and discussions to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding.
THE IMPACT
Mezze has become a leading integration model in Portugal, supporting employment and empowerment for refugee communities while contributing to narrative change. Its approach is designed to be replicated across the country, expanding its impact on inclusion and social cohesion.