ICMPD and the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees (IGC) brought together senior officials in Warsaw to discuss post‑conflict recovery, migration governance, and emerging policy priorities. The meeting on 9 June 2026, under the ICMPD Steering Group chairmanship of Poland, opened with welcoming remarks and a keynote by Maciej Duszczyk, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
The discussions explored how return and reintegration can align with Ukraine’s reconstruction, followed by a discussion on transition pathways for Ukrainians including communication strategies and the future of temporary protection. Participants also discussed the evolving context in Syria and its implications for recovery and displacement.
Discussions on reconstruction and return in post-conflict settings are never simple. We are dealing with highly complex, highly dynamic, and often highly risky environments that can change very rapidly, for better or for worse, and that require particularly flexible and sensitive responses. And it is precisely these responses that we should work on together,.ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab said during the meeting.
Broader reflections on the link of return and reconstruction across post‑conflict settings, also highlighted the need to strengthen public services, skills development, mobility options, and engaging the diaspora as core elements of effective recovery.
Senior officials stressed that discussions surrounding recovery and reconstruction must begin now so that preparations can commence prior to action. As they explored the preparations necessary for reconstruction and recovery, several potential actions were discussed; including private sector involvement as a critical component for the recovery and reconstruction process, with dual intent actions as a supporting mechanism. Additional mobility programmes for Ukrainian citizens’ return and general mobility programmes for foreign citizens to support reconstruction efforts in the coming years were further raised as potential avenues to be explored at this stage.
Senior officials from ICMPD and IGC Member States were joined by representatives of international organisations and academia, including the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Background
Convening twice annually, the Steering Group is ICMPD’s highest decision-making authority, where Member States discuss institutional strategic developments, global migration dynamics, and pressing actions in line with Member States’ priorities. ICMPD Member States rotate in taking on the annual chairmanship. Currently chaired by Poland, the Steering Group in 2027 will be chaired by Serbia; and in 2028 by the Netherlands.
The next Steering Group meeting will take place in December in Vienna.