People on the move are part of the solution. 

At this unique time where we face a confluence of crises and profound global transformations, the 2023 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Summit ought to be a moment of truth and reckoning:  

Human mobility should be a central element of the rescue plan for the SDGs. 

Accelerated action on human mobility can reduce inequalities. People on the move can boost global value chains and meet the needs for sustainable development finance. They contribute to cohesive communities and sustainable rural and urban development; they meet the demands and needs of a changing global labour market and divergent demographic trends among countries. They drive entrepreneurship, including on the green transition and to build resilient and peaceful societies capable of adapting to the impacts of climate change and conflicts.  

Managed well, human mobility can be a cornerstone of development, prosperity and progress.  

Everyday and everywhere – people on the move contribute knowledge and skills transfer, innovation, entrepreneurship, social, and cultural capital that they acquire and develop abroad, and that is transferred to communities of origin. 

Yet, the contributions that migrants and displaced populations can make to their families, communities, and to society are hindered in many ways. 

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement are the blueprint for the much needed transformative actions. 

IOM is fully committed to support Member States, people on the move and all other stakeholders across levels of governance and throughout society, to devise, replicate or scale up acceleration actions that directly address foundational drivers to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. 

We need action. Now.