On International Migrants Day, we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide. According to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, we “highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.”
People on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries—as workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists and much more. Migrants often maintain strong connections to their home countries while embracing their new communities, where they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill.
If managed well, mobility can be a cornerstone of sustainable development, prosperity and progress. Unlocking migration’s potential is key to accelerating efforts to meet the significant challenges of the 2030 Agenda articulated during the Sustainable Development Goal summit in New York in September 2023, for the benefit of all.
There is an urgent need for the international community to provide people-centered and evidence-based solutions for people to remain in their communities, and for those who want to or must move.