America Ferrera  pledges her continued commitment to championing migrants with IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) yesterday welcomed Global Goodwill Ambassador America Ferrera to its headquarters in Geneva, where she marked one year of advocacy on behalf of migrants around the world. Her visit coincided with her participation in the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance (SCPF), a key forum for Member States and partners to engage with IOM’s leadership and strategic priorities.

“America’s storytelling has helped shift how people think and feel about migration,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “By connecting global audiences with the realities faced by migrants, she has helped deepen understanding and build solidarity. Her voice is a powerful reminder that behind every migration statistic is a person, a family, and a future worth investing in.”

Ferrera joined representatives from governments and international partners at the SCPF to reflect on her work with IOM over the past year. During her remarks, she spoke about the power of storytelling to reframe public narratives around migration and emphasized the human dignity at the core of IOM’s efforts in communities worldwide.

“Over the past year, I’ve met people who have faced unimaginable journeys – not just to survive, but to live with dignity and purpose,” said Ferrera. “It’s been an honor to lend my voice to support IOM’s mission and I look forward to continuing to amplify migrant stories that too often go unheard.”

Appointed in May 2024, Ferrera has participated in several high-level engagements, including the UN General Assembly in New York and events in London and Geneva. Throughout the year, she has used her platform to advocate for migrant rights, elevate underrepresented voices, and call for global solidarity in the face of growing displacement.

IOM’s Goodwill Ambassador Programme aims to raise awareness and mobilize support for the rights and well-being of people on the move. Ferrera’s ongoing engagement continues to demonstrate the value of using public influence to inspire empathy, challenge harmful narratives, and promote global action.