Introduction: Migration as a Driver of Progress
On International Migrants Day, the Secretary-General highlights a simple, powerful truth: migration is a driver of progress. When well governed, it lifts economies, connects cultures, and benefits both countries of origin and destination. But the message is not naïve optimism; it calls for practical action to ensure that migration remains a force for good, grounded in dignity, rights, and shared responsibility.
The Benefits of Well-Governed Migration
Migration contributes to economic growth by filling labor gaps, transferring skills, and supporting entrepreneurship. It also enriches societies through cultural exchange, innovation, and increased global resilience. The Secretary-General notes that these benefits are not automatic; they require inclusive policies that protect migrants’ rights, ensure safe passages, and provide pathways for legal immigration, decent work, and access to essential services.
Economic Empowerment and Development
People move in pursuit of opportunity, and with proper governance, their contributions can strengthen both home communities and host economies. Remittances, investment, and skills development create positive feedback loops that uplift families and local economies. The message emphasizes stabilized private and public sector collaboration to maximize these benefits while preserving social cohesion.
Social Cohesion and Cultural Exchange
Migration strengthens cultural diversity, driving innovation in arts, science, and education. The Secretary-General stresses that societies prosper when migrants are welcomed as active participants with equal rights, rather than as outsiders. Inclusive policies foster mutual respect, reduce xenophobia, and build trust across communities.
Guarding Against Hate and Division
When migration is poorly governed or misrepresented, it can fuel fear, hate, and division. The Secretary-General warns against narratives that scapegoat migrants for economic or social problems. Instead, he advocates transparent policies, accurate information, and platforms for dialogue that include migrants themselves in decision-making processes. Combating misinformation is essential to prevent discrimination and to safeguard the dignity of every person on the move.
Policy Priorities for Inclusive Migration Systems
Effective governance rests on several core pillars: human rights protection, safe and orderly pathways, access to justice, and social protection for migrants and their families. It also means collaborative regional strategies to manage cross-border movements, address irregular migration diplomatically, and ensure that asylum systems are fair and efficient. The Secretary-General calls for partnerships with civil society, the private sector, labor unions, and international organizations to align standards and share best practices.
Action at the Global Level
International cooperation is crucial. Shared data, coordinated labor market policies, and comprehensive integration programs can help countries harness migration’s benefits while mitigating risks. The message urges countries to uphold universal human rights, comply with international protections, and invest in education, language training, and credential recognition so that migrants can participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their new homes.
What This Means for Individuals and Communities
For migrants, the call is for safety, dignity, and opportunities to thrive. For communities, it is a reminder that welcoming migrants strengthens social fabric and economic vitality. For policymakers, it is a roadmap: govern with clarity, protect rights, communicate transparently, and foster partnerships that enable migration to serve the common good. On International Migrants Day, the Secretary-General reaffirms that progress is possible when governments, civil society, and migrants themselves work together with shared responsibility.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for the Future
Migration will continue shaping the global landscape. The Secretary-General’s message is a call to action: to design inclusive, humane, and effective migration systems that unlock opportunity, defend dignity, and build resilient, connected societies. When migration is governed well, it becomes a powerful engine of development that benefits all – a future where movement is a choice for dignity and a path to shared progress.
