May 21, 2025 (ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened the Fourth Scientific Conference on Migration, Displacement and Urbanisation under the theme “Implications for Sustainable Development” in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The three-day conference aimed to promote research-led policy formulation by enhancing synergies between international migration and development across global, regional, national, subnational, and local levels. The goal is to support safe, orderly, and regular migration through well-managed migration policies and strengthened urban–rural linkages.
Speaking on behalf of H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr Mohamed Abdi Ware, emphasised the importance of the conference in elevating the voices of researchers from the region. “This conference promotes the region’s researchers to narrate IGAD’s dynamics in their own voice, generating actionable recommendations and practical entry points to translate scientific research findings into concrete action,” he noted.
Mr Ware further underlined the conference’s role in encouraging regional scientists to identify solutions to challenges related to migration and forced displacement. “We believe this conference provides a critical platform for evidence generation, knowledge sharing, coordination, and collaboration. It is an opportunity to build on the foundations of previous conferences and bridge policy and programme implementation gaps to serve the most vulnerable,” he added.
Also addressing the conference, Ato Abebaw Bihonegn Belachew, IGAD Head of Mission to Ethiopia, highlighted IGAD’s support for member states in crafting inclusive policies that ensure the participation of migrants and displaced populations. “The scale, speed, and complexity of migration and displacement—compounded by rapid urbanisation—present both opportunities and challenges,” he remarked.
In her opening address, W/ro Teyiba Hassen, Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service of the host country, Ethiopia, underscored the strain forced displacement has placed on host cities. She noted that since 2022, the Ethiopian government has transitioned refugee camps into integrated urban settlements, providing access to city services and resources. “The rapid influx of displaced populations affects our urban systems, resulting in overcrowding, poverty, and social tensions. This requires inclusive urban planning to manage migration impacts and ensure sustainable development and social cohesion,” she said.
Dr Amina Said Chiré, Senior Scientist at the University of Djibouti and representative of the IGAD Universities Forum and Scientific Committee, highlighted the urgent need for platforms to address rising migratory movements. “Scientific research has emerged as a vital tool for addressing migration issues in a rigorous, humane, and sustainable manner,” she stated.
Mrs Dorothee Hutter, GIZ Country Director for Djibouti and Ethiopia, stressed the importance of understanding social networks that link urban centres across IGAD member states. “This conference serves as a platform for critical examination of migration and urbanisation, and for policy dialogue. It reflects the interest of urban planners in gaining novel insights into these challenges,” she remarked.
The conference brought together researchers analysing urban dynamics, political structures, and the role of city actors. Their work contributes to evidence-based, context-specific policy solutions for decision-makers and stakeholders.
The event was supported through the “Strengthening IGAD Migration Policy Implementation” project, funded by the Government of Germany through GIZ, as well as contributions from Sweden, the European Union, and Cities Alliance.
The 4th Scientific Conference concluded with a set of policy recommendations addressing the drivers and root causes of migration, urban governance (including policy and financing), data, and socio-economic integration. These were directed towards governments leading policy and implementation, regional researchers generating data-driven insights, and development partners contributing to innovation, capacity building, and resources. Closing remarks were delivered by IGAD officials, mayors, representatives of the IGAD University Forum, and the host government of Ethiopia.
Since its inception in 2018, the IGAD Scientific Conference has focused on themes including forced displacement, mixed migration, and human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth edition emphasised the intersection of migration, displacement, and urbanisation—placing a spotlight on the transformative dynamics occurring in cities across the region.
