ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab welcomed Ambassadors and senior members of the diplomatic corps in Vienna, representing countries of origin and countries along migration routes towards Europe with which ICMPD closely cooperates. Amidst the current conflict in the Middle East, Ms Raab expressed the organisation’s commitment to strong partnerships and the crucial role of diplomacy in conflict resolution, and international cooperation on migration governance.
Countries represented at the diplomatic briefing included Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.
We are witnessing one of the most challenging periods for international diplomacy in recent decades. The current escalation in the Middle East is a stark reminder that we are living in an era of elevated geopolitical tension; in which political crises can escalate into armed conflict far more rapidly, bringing loss of life, human suffering, and displacement.Ms Raab said in her opening statement
Ms Raab’s exchange with the representatives brought forward a strong focus on addressing both the drivers and management of migration in the countries of origin and along the migration routes. Representatives highlighted the need to tackle root causes of displacement through stabilisation, reconstruction and reintegration efforts in countries of origin, while simultaneously expanding credible legal migration pathways, skills mobility, and labour market access towards Europe.
Border management, document security, and the fight against irregular migration were also raised, with participants expressing broad support for closer, practical cooperation with ICMPD across these interconnected priorities. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to deepening practical cooperation; while Ms Raab reinforced her priority focus and the organisation’s support for the Member States and partner countries to further strengthen their migration management systems.
We aim to do this with a strong focus on expertise and professional competence, and we want to foster an environment where States can engage on equal terms and collaborate on practical solutions. We support solutions that reflect the interests and priorities of our partners but also benefit those who matter most: the people, regardless of whether they migrate or not.she added
Ms Raab cited her key thematic areas of focus in her new term as ICMPD Director General, to work more closely with ICMPD Member States and partner countries in the areas of tackling irregular migration and legal pathways, safe return and sustainable reintegration, labour migration and skills mobility, and border safety in response to transnational crimes such as trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The best and most sustainable solutions are found when the States connected along migration routes work closely together and make full use of the entire range of migration policy tools. For us, this forms the core of the whole-of-route approach, which always takes into account the domestic needs, context, and priorities of each partner. Thus, we should make use of every channel and opportunity to focus on what unites and leads us toward constructive, mutually beneficial solutions.she added
ICMPD facilitates various migration dialogues, policy and research partnerships, and a wide range of projects spanning the Mediterranean, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Middle East, and South Asian regions. These include the Migrant Resource Centres, border management and security, migration mobility support, migration partnerships facility, the Ukrainian Consultation Centres, return and reintegration, and anti-trafficking programmes; as well as migration dialogues that include the Budapest Process, Khartoum Process, Prague Process, and Rabat Process.
Ms Raab also cited her involvement at the recent Munich Security Conference, and how this the current security policy challenges weigh deeply on international relations.
At my bilateral meetings with ministers and heads of delegations of your home countries during the Conference, I observed a clear and strong commitment to working together more closely than before; in jointly seeking new paths and solutions.she said
Finally, Ms Raab extended felicitations for Ramadan to partner countries and guests who are celebrating the Holy Month.
Enabling and supporting cooperation was why ICMPD was founded more than 30 years ago. Today, we operate offices in 34 locations globally, with more than 600 dedicated colleagues engaged in implementing 90 key programmes and projects across all areas of migration governance. At the heart of all these lies our most important goal: to be a genuine and trusted partner to the countries we work with, to remain closely engaged in the regions connected through migration, and to cover the full spectrum of our mission – from research, dialogue, and policy development to concrete initiatives and projects – that truly make a difference.she concluded
