On International Migrants Day (18 December 2023), we reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.

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-centred and evidence-based solutions for people to remain in their communities, and for those who want to or must move.

The recently completed COP28 summit in Dubai provided the opportunity for IOM to advocate again for the impact of climate change on migrants to be a central part of this discussion. Promoting equal and inclusive partnerships with migrants, women, persons with disabilities and communities, while emphasizing the role of youth, is now more critical than ever.

On this International Migrants Day, IOM aims to position migration as one of the solutions to global challenges, such as adapting to the impacts of climate change or providing better economic opportunities for communities.

Every person can make a difference. Every person can be an agent of change. Together, our collective actions today, will prepare us for a better tomorrow.