November 1, 2022 (NAIROBI, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today inaugurated the 3rd IGAD Regional Scientific Conference on Migration and Displacement in Nairobi under the theme “Inclusion and Social Cohesion: Connecting research, data, and policy”
The three-day conference brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and international institutions to share their experiences, and knowledge and give policy recommendations on how IGAD and its Member States can more effectively protect vulnerable groups and increase the resilience of migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and host communities to better mitigate the impact of changes of inclusion and social cohesion.
The Director of the Health and Social Development Division of IGAD, Ms Fathia Alwan, on behalf IGAD Executive Secretary, said: “The conference will provide a much needed platform for scholarly and policy interrogation on between the relationship of inclusion and Social Cohesion with connecting research, data and policy. While creating room for in-depth discussions, scholars from diverse academic backgrounds will present on research findings on migration dynamics with the aim of informing and shaping future directions on issues around migration and displacement.”
Musa Ali Atroun; the Commissioner of Refugees in Sudan speaking on behalf of the Government of the Sudan, the current chair of IGAD, stated:
“The theme indicates that there are researches which were conducted and which resulted in data and information. The main task of this conference is to thoroughly and interactively discuss to come-up with results that will inform the design of policies, strategies and plans at IDAD as a region, and the member countries, to positively address the issues associated with migration and displacement.”
Ambassador Sebastian Groth of Germany to Kenyaalso took the floor to say:
“Germany is proud to have supported IGAD since the very beginning in fostering progressive migration policies and protecting the rights of displaced people in the region. Inclusion and social cohesion are of utmost importance. Striving for sustainable solutions for refugees and internally displaced is now more important than ever. During our upcoming presidency of the Khartoum-Process, Germany also wants to highlight the impact of climate change in migration and forced displacement.”
The IGAD region hosts roughly 4.5 million refugees and asylum seekers, along with around 12.3million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Scientific Conference has been categorized into 7 sub-themes on various subject issues affecting migration and displacement.
The Conference is organised in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the World Bank and the Sweden International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The University of Djibouti, Jigjiga University in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University, Kenya Institute of Migration Studies, Maseno University in Kenya, Somali National University, Juba University, Ahfad University for Women in Sudan, and Makerere University in Uganda are participating in.
