and geographic concentration, and the particular social, economic and cultural needs, among other considerations. In addition, the fact that many individuals have multiple identities that may be asserted in different ways, times and contexts must also be recognized when developing integration policies. These Guidelines consist of four parts: structural principles, principles for integration, elements of an integration policy framework and key policy areas. The structural principles, listed without any hierarchy, are interlinked and necessary although never fully achievable. They are goals towards which all States should be aiming, and it is difficult to conceive that good integration policies could be feasible in the absence of any efforts to put these principles in place. Since these structural principles can never be achieved perfectly and for all time, their imperfect achievement cannot be invoked as a reason for not adopting or implementing integration policies. The principles for integration provide basic theses and values that relate more specifically to integration or are necessary for formulating integration policy. Elements of an integration policy framework sets out the framework for the elaboration and implementation of integration policies, including mechanisms, processes and cross-cutting themes. Finally, the key policy areas, although not an exhaustive list of relevant policy areas, deals with the main thematic considerations based on the HCNM’s experience, and includes more specific examples within those policy areas, which have to be selected and adapted to each specific context. The integration of society is a complex and cross-cutting policy field, and the Guidelines are the result of work and experience accumulated over the past 20 years. They are based on the valuable input of present and past HCNM staff members, including Francesco Palermo and Ilze Brands Kehris. They have also benefitted from the engagement and insights of many external experts, who have contributed comments and criticisms of earlier versions of the Guidelines. These external experts include: Rainer Bauböck, Alex Grigorev-Roinishvili, Mihails Hazans, Kristin Henrard, Tom Hadden, Sally Holt, Thomas Huddleston, Jennifer Jackson-Preece, Milena Klaijner, Antti Korkeakivi, Mark Lattimer, Tove Malloy, Jan Nissen, John Packer, Petra Roter, Patrick Simon and Sarah Spencer. These Guidelines are, however, based on specific HCNM experience and do not reflect the views of any single expert. The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide policymakers and States’ representatives with guiding principles and practical advice on how to elaborate and implement policies that facilitate the integration of diverse societies. It is hoped that other actors who contribute in various roles to this process, including civil-society and private-sector actors and independent institutions, will also find these Guidelines Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies 5