IOM charges governments to recognize migration’s central role in advancing poverty eradication, others

Foremost migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called on governments to recognize the central role that migration plays in advancing efforts to eradicate poverty, expand decent work, and foster inclusion.

The organization gave the charge as the Second World Summit for Social Development takes place in Qatar between 4 and 6 November.

Marking thirty years since the landmark 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, the Summit brought together Heads of State and Government, UN leaders, civil society, and the private sector to adopt the Doha Political Declaration. The document reaffirmed global commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and renewed momentum toward advancing social justice worldwide.

“As highlighted in the Doha Political Declaration, when safe, regular, and orderly migration is used as a strategic driver of solidarity, inclusion, and development, it can reduce inequality and unlock opportunity,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General, speaking at the Summit in Doha. “Rather than letting it drive us apart, we must find ways for migration to bring us together.”

The Doha Political Declaration sets out a renewed global commitment to social development grounded in human rights, inclusion, and solidarity. It underscores the urgency of eradicating poverty and inequality and recognizes migration as a key driver of sustainable development that must be safe, orderly, and dignified.

Today, 304 million people live outside their country of birth – almost double the number in 1995. In parallel, 83.4 million people remain displaced within their countries by conflict, disasters, and climate impacts. In 2024, migrants sent home USD 685 billion in remittances to low- and middle-income countries, often exceeding foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined. 

During her visit, DG Pope met with senior Qatari officials to discuss partnerships on labor mobility, skills development, and protection initiatives, as well as innovative financing to strengthen humanitarian and development responses. 

Other IOM co-organized side events included “Solutions to Internal Displacement for Inclusive and Sustainable Social Development,” held with the Global Solutions Hub on Internal Displacement, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, which explored scalable and inclusive development approaches. The session “Copenhagen to Doha: Tackling Vulnerability and Exploitation Linked to Sport,” co-led with the Permanent Missions of Monaco and Qatar and Mission 89, focused on addressing trafficking and exploitation in sports while promoting inclusion and opportunity for youth. 

As the Summit draws to a close on Thursday, IOM reaffirms its commitment to translating these discussions into action. As the UN organization leading on migration and Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration, IOM continues to support governments in integrating migration into national development and climate strategies, expanding skills mobility partnerships, and strengthening social protection for migrants and displaced people.