The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called for greater investment in people, community participation and sustainable return pathways as essential pillars of Ukraine’s recovery during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk.   

The conference, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, brought together governments, international organizations, financial institutions, businesses and civil society to advance Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term development.   

“Every Ukrainian has a role to play, whether a veteran, an internally displaced person, a member of a host community, a returnee, a Ukrainian living abroad or the Ukrainian diaspora,” said IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels. “Ensuring that all Ukrainians can actively contribute to the country’s recovery remains central to IOM’s efforts, in addition to expanding access to employment, vocational training, housing, mental health services, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.” 

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, IOM has supported more than 10,000 internally displaced people with job-matching services, provided vocational training and equipment to over 1,500 vulnerable people, including those internally displaced including IDPs, and helped more than 2,300 war-affected businesses.  

Strengthening local communities and ensuring displaced people are included in decision-making processes are central to sustainable recovery. Through community-based approaches and support to local authorities, IOM works to promote social cohesion, strengthen local capacities and support community-led recovery efforts across Ukraine.  

Decisions about whether to return home, remain in a host community or pursue other long-term solutions are deeply personal and must be based on informed choice. Continued investment in reliable information, employment opportunities and housing solutions is key to enable safe, dignified and sustainable returns when conditions allow.  

On the margins of the conference, Deputy Director General Daniels met with representatives of the Governments of Ukraine and Poland, European Union institutions, international financial institutions, donor partners and civil society organizations to deepen cooperation on Ukraine’s recovery and support for displaced Ukrainians. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships across key areas including livelihoods, community resilience, diaspora engagement and veterans’ reintegration, reinforcing the shared commitment to helping Ukrainians rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s future.  

With Ukraine’s recovery needs estimated at USD 588 billion over the next decade, according to the United Nations, IOM underscores the critical importance of sustained support for early recovery and long-term development, through approaches that engage diverse communities and are adapted to local contexts.  

More than one thousand Nigerians are stranded in South Africa and awaiting evacuation.

South African anti-immigrants groups have given foreign nationals living in the country up till June 30 to exit the country.

Anxiety has continued to mount as the embattled citizens have less than 48 hours to leave the former apartheid nation.

President of Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, called for speedy action. 

He said, “As you may know, the first flight that evacuated people took about 268 people and Wednesday another 66 people left through an arranged flight from a private person from Nigeria. And so, we still have over 1,000 names remaining which we’re hoping that the other four flights has been approved by the government of Nigeria will be able to airlift them.”

Speaking on the conditions of the people awaiting evacuation, Onyekwelu said it is not looking too good, especially as they have been displaced.

He explained that frustration has started setting in. He added: “So far, we might have about a thousand people remaining. It’s not sounding well. Some of them are really frustrated. Some of them are managing wherever they found themselves as you may know that many of them came from far provinces and they are not living in Johannesburg here.

“So, currently, some of them are dispatched, hanging around in various places. Some in churches, in some community halls, and the weather is not favourable. “As you may know, we are in our winter season here in South Africa. So, it’s very cold and women and children being exposed to the cold weather, it’s a risk to their health. It’s also a risk to their general well-being. “So, the economic challenges- some of them don’t have money to buy food or buy hygiene products to continue to manage and wait. It’s been two weeks now since the cancellation on the 15th of January. “

He disclosed that support is coming from the Nigerian community.

He however pleaded with the government to hasten the process. 

According to him: “But the community is supporting where they can, buying groceries, buying food, and some personal hygiene products just to show them love and support. We continue to plead with our government and appeal that they will fast-track the process and whatever that is causing the technical delay so that these people will be airlifted and they will find their way back home where they can at least relax and have some peaceful sleep. So, the condition is not conducive for them.

“Many of them are squatting like you see like 10-15 people in one room or in one hall, you know, struggling to manage themselves and hold on until when they will get a confirmed date for evacuation. That is the current situation of our people.”

Speaking on the deadline, Onyekwelu said Nigerians have been sensitised on the need to take extra precautions.

Leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world will gather in Porto from July 1–3, 2026, for the 2nd CEAUP International Conference on Migration, hosted at the University of Porto partner location at Instituto Pernambuco Porto Brasil.

The event will take place at Instituto Pernambuco Porto, Rua das Estrelas 143, Porto, Portugal.

Organized by the Migration Observatory Lab at the Center for African Studies of the University of Porto, in collaboration with international partners including Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria, the conference will focus on the theme:

“Migration and Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Ethics, and Future Pathways.”

The conference will examine the evolving intersection of migration and artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on how emerging technologies are reshaping migration governance, ethical standards, and future global mobility trends. Through a series of panels, keynote sessions, and discussions, participants will engage with some of the most pressing global challenges and opportunities in this field.

Akinwale Roy Ojomo, lead researcher and convener of the conference, stated that:

> “The urgency in creating innovative ideas supported by AI technology is the reason we are gathering in Porto, Portugal this year.”

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Koko Warner, Director at the IOM Global Data Institute in Geneva, will discuss how big data can help address migration challenges in Europe.

Bisi Obateru, founder of Just I Guide, a U.S.-based company, will present practical solutions on the use of AI in processing immigration protocols online.

Numerous abstracts have been received, and key practitioners have confirmed their participation in the hybrid event. In addition to in-person attendance, participants will have the opportunity to join virtually.

The three-day conference is expected to attract an international audience of researchers, institutional representatives, and professionals, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Invitations have been sent to AIMA and the European Union for goodwill messages, particularly in light of the recent rollout of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The conference will also witness the launch of the JAPA Process Theory and Modeling, a strategy designed to help countries of origin create information portals for legal migration pathways and reduce irregular migration.

The organisers can be reached through any of the following:

Email:

aojomo@letras.up.pt

ceaup@letras.up.pt

migrationlabteam@outlook.com

Phone: +351 920 658 116