Unlocking migration’s global power for positive change

• The IOM Global Appeal aims to fund efforts in saving lives, protecting people on the move, addressing displacement, and facilitating safe pathways for regular migration

• The State of Kuwait stands out as a significant donor among Gulf states, having contributed approximately $70 million to the organization over the past 15 years

• The IOM is appealing to its partners to mobilize $3.4 billion to support its mission of preserving lives and safeguarding individuals in transit.

• The organization is seeking to raise $2.7 billion to work on finding solutions to the problem of displacement, including reducing the risks and effects of climate change.

• The IOM aims to secure $1.6 billion to enhance its efforts in facilitating regulated migration pathways

• Migration stands as a fundamental pillar of global development and prosperity. With 281 million international migrants generating 9.4% of the global GDP, its impact is profound

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) made history by launching its inaugural Global Annual Appeal for 2024, urging for a funding of $7.9 billion to fortify its operations and pave the way for a transformative system that harnesses migration’s potential as a positive force across the globe.

The IOM Global Appeal aims to fund efforts in saving lives, protecting people on the move, addressing displacement, and facilitating safe pathways for regular migration, in line with IOM’s new five-year Global Strategic Plan.

“Irregular and forced migration are at unprecedented levels, presenting complex challenges,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope during the launch of the Global Appeal in Geneva. “The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that well-managed migration significantly contributes to global prosperity and progress. At this critical juncture, our appeal is designed to fulfill this promise. We have the capacity and obligation to improve. We can and must do better,” said Pope.

Full funding would enable IOM to aid nearly 140 million people, including internally displaced persons and their host communities, while also expanding its development work to prevent further displacement.

In a statement, Mazen Abu Al-Hassan, head of the United Nations Migration Mission in Kuwait, highlights Kuwait’s significant role as a top donor among Gulf states. He acknowledges the country’s generosity during the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria last year and looks forward to learning about Kuwait’s priorities for 2024, given the continuous rise in humanitarian needs.

During a luncheon honoring select media outlets, he disclosed that Kuwait’s aid to the United Nations over the past 15 years totaled approximately $70 million, highlighting the organization’s reliance on “generous countries like Kuwait.

He further stated, “In our discussions with the Kuwaiti officials, they’ve pledged increased humanitarian cooperation in the upcoming months. However, the current outlook remains uncertain. Nevertheless, we place significant trust in Kuwait’s commitment to this matter.”

IOM’s Appeal

The IOM is appealing to its partners to mobilize $3.4 billion to support its mission of preserving lives and safeguarding individuals in transit. The organization is seeking to raise $2.7 billion to work on finding solutions to the problem of displacement, including reducing the risks and effects of climate change.

Additionally, the IOM aims to secure $1.6 billion to enhance its efforts in facilitating regulated migration pathways. Furthermore, a dedicated allocation of $163 million is earmarked to bolster IOM’s capacity, enabling the organization to deliver services with greater efficacy and impact.

“To accomplish our goals, we need increased investment from governments, the private sector, individual donors, and other partners. This funding will bridge the gap between our current resources and what is necessary for success. Thus, we are proactively engaging all partners for the first time to support this crucial appeal,” said Pope.

Limited regular migration pathways and protection leave people vulnerable to violence, exploitation and danger. The IOM’s Missing Migrants Project shows at least 60,000 people died or disappeared on perilous journeys over the last nine years. The consequences of underfunded, piecemeal assistance come at a greater cost, not just in terms of money but in greater danger to migrants through irregular migration, trafficking and smuggling.

Investing in quality, consistent, and flexible funding will streamline and optimize IOM’s response to displacement crises. By allocating resources towards preparedness, the organization will effectively reduce the overall cost of crisis management.

Migration stands as a fundamental pillar of global development and prosperity. With 281 million international migrants generating 9.4% of the global GDP, its impact is profound. When meticulously managed, migration holds the power to propel development initiatives forward, bolster climate change adaptation efforts, and pave the way for a safer, more peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future.

IOM will primarily focus on policy and programmatic initiatives that support pathways which bolster climate adaptation, protect human rights, address labour market needs, and support governments with their management of migration to name a few. IOM’s Global Appeal promotes long-term engagement to support humanitarian response during and post crises, alongside proactive work to unlock the huge potential of migration for economic growth and human development.

IOM Kuwait

The State of Kuwait stands out as a significant donor among Gulf states, having contributed approximately $70 million to the organization over the past 15 years. Notably, $14 million of this aid was allocated last year during the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, forming part of the $90 million that Kuwait extended to various United Nations agencies in response to the disaster.

The organization is committed to aligning with the humanitarian priorities set forth by the State of Kuwait for 2024, recognizing the ever-increasing and evolving needs in the humanitarian landscape. The IOM is gearing up for collaborative training with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior scheduled for the 11th of this month, focusing on combating human trafficking. Continuing such training is necessary in the event that the administrative tasks of the concerned employees change.

The organization is also discussing a project with the Public Authority for Manpower, which is in line with the Kuwait Development Vision 2035. The organization confirms its readiness to provide technical support requested by the concerned institutions regarding the issue of migration governance and all matters related to the issue of temporary contractual workers.

The organization appreciates the decision of the Ministry of Interior regarding joining a family member and also commends the report on sustainable development submitted by the State of Kuwait in July last year in New York.