International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope will lead an IOM delegation to this year’s Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) with an agenda that focuses on highlighting the benefits migration brings the world. IOM will host a roundtable discussion in Davos about migration’s potential, and DG Pope will hold high-level discussions with a wide cross-section of leaders about collective action to meet the challenges of migration.

“Migration is a pressing global issue impacting every continent and every facet of society, no matter where people live,” said DG Pope. “At IOM, our partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society, and other international organizations can help make migration safe, orderly and regular, so it can benefit communities around the globe.”

Director General Pope will also have bilateral meetings with government officials and private sector executives who are attending the meeting.

The World Economic Forum’s theme for this year’s meeting, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” underscores IOM’s emphasis on how collaborative action, data, and technological advances, combined with investments in regular migration pathways, can solve some of the world’s most difficult challenges: the impact of climate change, labour shortages, dangerous irregular migration, and human smuggling and trafficking. 

On Thursday, 23 January, IOM will host a roundtable discussion, “Transforming Migration for Economic Growth and Opportunity,” that will promote deeper cooperation and highlight the need for regular migration pathways. The discussion will focus on innovative solutions and scalable initiatives that address labour market needs and enhance migration governance in order to unlock the social and economic benefits of well-managed migration.

Among the transformative initiatives to be featured is the Microsoft and IOM Pathways 360 platform, a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) solution designed to enable informed decision-making and deliver personalized services for migrants. By leveraging AI, the platform streamlines legal pathways for migration to meet the evolving demands of labour markets and reduce the appeal of irregular migration.  

Another notable program is the Coalition for Green Skills Pathways, led by Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), which is a key program that trains refugee populations and local communities in host countries for high-demand green jobs. 

Additionally, contributions from LinkedIn further underscore how skilling efforts can advance regular pathways of migration.

“We’re hugely optimistic about the role of technology in addressing some of the most pressing global issues, including the impact of climate change on migration,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies.

Concluding a two-day visit to the country, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope reaffirmed IOM’s strong partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and their shared commitment to advancing migration governance, boosting regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development. 

“Further strengthening our cooperation with the government and other partners to address critical migration-related challenges is a key priority for IOM in Côte d’Ivoire,” said DG Pope. “Our shared areas of focus include voluntary return and reintegration of migrants, border management, combating human trafficking and exploitation, promoting labour migration, diaspora engagement, climate adaptation and facilitating regular migration pathways.” 

In Abidjan, DG Pope held wide-ranging discussions with the Vice-President of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, as well as senior government ministers, donors and heads of United Nations agencies. These centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation to improve migration management and promote sustainable development. DG Pope commended Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to advance safe, orderly and regular migration, emphasizing its potential to serve as a model for other nations in fostering safety, dignity and economic prosperity for migrants. 

Special attention was given to the pressing need for investment in infrastructure and services in northern regions of the country impacted by displacement from neighbouring countries, with IOM reaffirming its support to strengthening community resilience, ensuring access to basic services, enhancing youth employability, and promoting economic opportunities for both displaced persons and host communities. These efforts are crucial for enhancing security and social cohesion in the region.

DG Pope also visited the Abel Centre in Grand-Bassam, which provides assistance to victims of trafficking and other vulnerable migrants with the support of IOM and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

The visit underscored IOM’s commitment to effective migration governance through strong regional and international collaboration and the need to address migration in all its dimensions, particularly in light of Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving migration profile, transitioning from primarily a destination country within West Africa to also serving as a country of origin and transit.

“IOM has been present in Cote d’Ivoire for 25 years and we remain committed to working closely with the Government, donors, and regional stakeholders to promote sustainable migration governance, strengthen regional cooperation, and enhance the well-being and development of youth. Our aim is to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all,” concluded DG Pope.

More than a million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, according to alarming new figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The latest data reveals that 1,041,000 people, many displaced multiple times, are struggling amidst an intensifying humanitarian crisis. Children bear the greatest burden of displacement, making up over half of the displaced population.

This marks a threefold increase in displacement within a year, rising from 315,000 in December 2023 to over a million. In the capital alone, displacement has nearly doubled, rising by 87 per cent fueled by relentless gang violence, the collapse of essential services – particularly healthcare – and worsening food insecurity.  This represents the highest recorded number of displacement due to violence in Haiti, underscoring the urgent needs for security and assistance.

“Haiti needs sustained humanitarian assistance right now to save and protect lives,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “We must work together to address the root causes of the violence and instability that has led to so much death and destruction.” 

The majority of the displaced originate from the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Many are seeking refuge in Haiti’s provinces, overwhelming host communities and straining limited resources. In the Artibonite department, displacement tripled in 2024, reaching over 84,000 people, highlighting the spread of violence beyond the Haitian capital.  

Eighty-three per cent of displaced Haitians rely on already overstretched host communities, such as acquaintances, friends and families, for shelter, while the remaining struggle to cope in spontaneous sites. Compounding this crisis, 200,000 Haitians were deported back to Haiti last year, further placing an even greater strain on the country’s already overwhelmed social services. 

Displacement sites, particularly concentrated in the capital, have grown significantly in number, increasing from 73 to 108 within a year. These sites are severely overcrowded and lack adequate access to essential services such as food, clean water, sanitation, and education. Reports from these sites reveal deteriorating conditions, with families struggling to survive in makeshift shelters while facing mounting health and protection risks. 

Despite the challenges, IOM is delivering critical support to those in need. “Our teams are on the ground every day, providing clean water, medical care, and shelter, but the demands are growing rapidly,” said Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s Chief in Haiti. “With the right support, we stand ready to further expand our efforts, address urgent needs, and help Haitians rebuild their lives.” 

In 2024, the Organization provided access to 18 million liters of clean water to displacement sites and rehabilitated water pumps in affected communities, benefiting thousands of families. Essential items, including blankets, water containers, solar lamps, and hygiene kits, have been provided to people in need. The Organization also delivered relocation assistance, rental subsidies, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to 75,000 people. 

IOM reiterates the need for continued humanitarian assistance, alongside long-term investments in governance, security, and social cohesion.  These efforts are essential to breaking the cycles of violence and displacement, fostering stability in communities, and restoring hope for recovery.  

“Haitians deserve a future. In moments of such profound crisis, the world must choose solidarity over indifference,” concludes Amy Pope.