Mechelen, Belgium

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Introduction

Mechelen lies about halfway between Antwerp and Brussels and has approximately 90,000 inhabitants. Mechelen is located on the River Dyle in the centre of the Flanders region of Belgium, which is characterised by low-lying plains, canals and historically important medieval cities.  It is at the centre of a very densely populated place with over 4 million population.

Although Mechelen is one of these historical cities, over the past 20 years the city has undergone an amazing transformation to become one of the most inclusive, integrated, and liveable cities in Belgium - addressing and overcoming serious issues of social polarisation, poverty, crime, and neglect. Today, the City of Mechelen is recognised internationally as a city where good governance and leadership can rapidly produce long-lasting results in transforming cities where people are respected and have a sense of safety and belonging.

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