United Nations, New York

Excellencies, distinguished representatives,

On behalf of IOM, I commend and thank the United Nations Secretary-General for convening us all today, and the co-facilitators of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the Global Digital Compact - and everyone involved in the process - for leading negotiations on this landmark document. This Summit really embodies the power and potential of multilateralism. 

IOM –as Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration – supports an agenda for change to rebuild trust and strengthen international cooperation in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Generation after generation of people have moved in search of a better life, and we know many more will move in the future. With this in mind, we cannot take for granted the promise of migration as a solution as we face major global transformations and crises.

We, at IOM, believe that investing in safe, regular and orderly pathways for migration can help reduce irregular migration, accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen decent work, bridge demographic shifts and labor gaps and foster sustainable development. 

The 2030 Agenda, the Global Compact for Migration, and the Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement are all clear and existing frameworks that can and do guide our work.

All of us here today have a collective responsibility to protect and respect the human rights of all migrants. We must live up to that responsibility.

We at IOM are delighted to contribute to this milestone. I reiterate our unshakeable commitment to support and work with people on the move – and all our partners – towards safeguarding our shared future. 

I thank you.