Vienna Migration Conference

Making progress and finding common ground in the ever-changing and divisive policy area that is migration requires a platform for a continuous, structured debate and open discourse. The yearly Vienna Migration Conference (VMC) provides just that: a trusted space for frank exchanges, where decision makers, thought leaders and practitioners discuss the latest developments and trends and outline their visions for the road ahead – on stage, in side talks and through networking

Livestream registration for VMC2025 is now open

📅 21-22 October 2025

As ICMPD’s annual flagship event and a top forum for discussion on migration in Europe and beyond, VMC sheds light on key migration-related opportunities and challenges. The conference attracts ministers as well as leading experts and practitioners from governments across the EU, Türkiye, the Western Balkans, Africa and Central Asia, in addition to top figures from international and non-governmental organisations, academia, media, civil society and the private sector. Discussions are streamed online to bring VMC to the doorsteps of the wider migration community.

The conference provides an important opportunity for a diversity of voices to be heard, promotes clarity about different views and fosters space for compromise and cooperation to address challenges and seek opportunities together.

The 10th edition of the Vienna Migration Conference (VMC2025) will take place on 21-22 October. As ICMPD’s annual flagship event, the VMC will once again bring together ministers, policymakers, practitioners and thought leaders in the Austrian capital, alongside representatives of international organisations, civil society, academia, media and the private sector.

This milestone edition comes at a pivotal moment. Global power shifts, labour shortages and regional conflicts are reshaping mobility patterns. At the same time, ICMPD is preparing for a leadership transition. VMC2025 will provide an indispensable space to reflect on how today’s shifting global dynamics are reshaping migration, and to spotlight solutions that can shape the next era of governance.

Discussions will focus on five strategic themes: