As world leaders convene in New York for the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a statement published on September 22 that it is calling for stronger international dialogue and collective action to position migration as a driver of development and prosperity.

'No country can manage migration alone' - Pope

"No country can manage migration alone. Stronger international cooperation is essential to manage migration, transforming it from a divisive issue into a shared public good that benefits people and societies," the statement quoted IOM Director General Amy Pope as saying.

"Now more than ever, the multilateral system must deliver practical and principled responses that put people first, protect their rights, and recognize both the challenges and possibilities of human mobility."

This week, Heads of State and Government will review progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, advancing UN reform and renewing commitments to building trusted multilateral systems, while addressing urgent global challenges where migration remains a priority.

IOM highlighted in the statement that migration is a defining feature of this century, central to development, security, and human dignity. However, it remains too often sidelined in global governance debates.

Today's record level of displacement and intensifying mobility challenges driven by conflicts, disasters, and economic instability reinforce the need for coordinated responses and anticipatory actions, the UN agency noted.

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Cooperation with private sector and States

At the General Assembly, IOM said it is showcasing people-centred, Member State-led, and community-driven solutions that expand safe, regular, and orderly migration pathways, address displacement and labour needs, support returnees to rebuild their lives, and strengthen resilience.

The agency added that it is also strengthening its collaboration with the private sector. By engaging businesses as partners in building solutions and making innovation work for people on the move, IOM is paving the way for partnerships to improve protections for migrants, address labour shortages, bring communities together, and generate sustainable funding for impact at both global and local levels.

As the UN's leading organization on migration and coordinator of the UN Migration Network, IOM explained that it works with Member States, partners and communities to foster cooperation.

With 97 per cent of its staff based in the field, IOM combines its operational reach and policy expertise to bridge divides and support governments in making migration work for all, the statement concluded.

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