From Dialogue to Action: How Global Conversations at the UN Are Reshaping Migration
Held during the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) from 4 to 8 May 2026, the dialogue series explored migration across four key areas: storytelling, climate and jobs, culture and creativity and financing solutions.
Across all discussions, speakers stressed that migration was deeply connected to many of today’s global challenges as well as to their solutions.
Changing the narrative
Participants highlighted how migration is often presented through simplified, polarized narratives. Yet, in reality, people’s views are far more nuanced—balancing concerns about fairness and management with recognition of the contributions migrants make.
In today’s fast-moving media landscape, telling these more complex stories can be difficult. But speakers pointed to new opportunities, including community journalism to digital storytelling, to better reflect real experiences.
A key takeaway was that migrants should help tell the migration stories.
Building the workforce of the future
The second dialogue focused on how migration can support the global transition to greener economies.
As countries expand renewable energy and climate solutions, demand for skilled workers is rising. In many places, local labor markets cannot meet this demand alone.
Migration, participants said, can help bridge this gap if it is well managed.
Creating safe pathways, matching skills to opportunities and ensuring fair working conditions can benefit both workers and economies. But participants stressed that systems must include protections, such as fair recruitment and access to social support, to be sustainable.
The power of culture and creativity
In a third discussion on culture and creativity, the speakers highlighted how migration drives innovation across industries, from music and fashion to food and storytelling.
Diaspora communities often act as bridges between cultures, creating new forms of expression that resonate globally. These exchanges can also drive economic growth, supporting industries and tourism.
Yet, this contribution is often overlooked. Speakers called for stronger policies and investment to support migrant-led creative industries and unlock their full potential.
Why financing matters
The fourth dialogue focused on a critical question: how do we move from ideas to action?
The speakers agreed that while frameworks and commitments already exist, their success depends on funding.
Initiatives like the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund aim to bring together resources and partners to support real change on the ground. But speakers emphasized that current funding levels remain insufficient.
Greater investment and better coordination between public and private sectors is needed to scale solutions, from skills training to legal pathways and long-term planning.
The speakers called for stronger partnerships across sectors—governments, businesses, civil society, media and migrants themselves—to build more inclusive and effective systems.