UN News Service UN Secretariat building in New York. Migration Forum opened at the UN Economic Development
The International Migration Review Forum opened at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The publication of a new report of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is timed to coincide with the beginning of the meeting. The authors of the document warn that migration continues to play a key role in the development of the global economy, but taking advantage of these benefits is becoming increasingly difficult due to restrictions on legal channels of movement.
The forum takes place from May 5 to 8 under the auspices of the President of the UN General Assembly and is dedicated to assessing the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration – the first ever intergovernmental agreement covering all aspects of this international phenomenon. It is expected that following the meeting, the states will adopt a Declaration of Progress in Implementing the Treaty.
Migration as an Economic Engine
According to the World Migration Report 2026, by mid-2024 there were about 304 million international migrants in the world – approximately 3.7 percent of the world’s population. The number of migrant workers is also growing, with more than 30 million more in the decade from 2013 to 2022.
Migrant financial remittances remain a critical source of support for many countries. In 2024, remittances are estimated to reach $905 billion, of which $685 billion goes to low- and middle-income countries. These flows already exceed official development assistance and foreign direct investment combined.
IOM Chief Amy Pope stressed that migration contributes to job creation, economic growth, stability and social cohesion. At the same time, she noted that coordinated actions of states at the regional and global levels make it possible to better manage migration and strengthen public confidence.The report emphasizes that restricting legal migration routes does not reduce its scale, but only transfers people to more dangerous and irregular routes. This increases the risks for migrants themselves and increases the costs for states, and prevents countries from taking advantage of the economic benefits that the process of movement promises. At the same time, significant inequalities in access to mobility opportunities remain. Residents of richer countries have more legal opportunities to migrate, while those from poorer countries remain limited. This, experts say, constrains global labor mobility and also reduces potential economic benefits.The report comes amid record levels of forced displacement. By the end of 2024, more than 120 million people had been forced to flee their homes – including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons. However, most movements occur within countries rather than across borders.
Conflict, climate change and structural development challenges remain the main factors. Many crises are protracted, requiring not only humanitarian assistance, but also long-term development solutions.
What experts suggest
The report’s authors call for expanding safe and legal migration channels, reducing the cost of remittances, supporting skills mobility and reintegration programs. Priorities include strengthening regional cooperation, improving data collection and developing more inclusive, evidence-based policies.
These issues will be central to discussions at the forum in New York, where state representatives will consider all 23 goals of the Global Compact for Migration. The UN Secretary-General will address participants on Thursday.
Experts emphasize that when managed effectively, migration can bring tangible benefits to both countries of origin and receiving states. However, without concerted action by the international community, this potential may be lost.