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IMRF side event on Advancing evidence-based migration policies in an era of demographic change

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 - 8:30am

Virtual event

Overview

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Â鶹APP Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the Â鶹APP Population Fund (UNFPA) are co-organizing a virtual side event in the margins of the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) titled "Advancing evidence-based migration policies in an era of demographic change". The event will take place on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 8:30 a.m. EDT on Zoom:

The event provides an opportunity for Member States, UN system entities and stakeholders to engage in a practical, forward-looking dialogue on the role of migration policies in the context of demographic change. Discussions will focus on creating flexible, rights-based pathways for regular migration to meet labour needs—particularly within the care economy—while simultaneously addressing the "brain drain" and structural factors that compel people to leave their homes. By championing stronger migration data systems and inclusive investments in human capital, the session aims to reframe migration as a strategic opportunity to respond and adapt to demographic change and promote sustainable development and dignity for all.

Register now and join the discussion:
 

Documents

 

Organization of work

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

 

8.30 - 8.32 a.m.

Welcome 

  • Moderator: Ms. Meghan Benton, Director of Global Programs, Migration Policy Institute (MPI)

 

08.33 - 08.44 a.m.

Opening remarks

  • Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the Â鶹APP Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
  • Pio Smith, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director (Programme) a.i., Â鶹APP Population Fund (UNFPA)

8.45 - 8.55 a.m.

Setting the Scene

  • Sashini Gomez, Senior Policy Development and Coordination Officer, IOM: Key findings on trends in regular pathways based on findings from the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI)

 

8.56 - 9.29 a.m.

Panel discussion: Migration in the context of rapid population change

  • Her Excellency Pilar Cancela Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Migration, Government of Spain: Enhancing availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration to respond to the labour market realities of an ageing society 
  • Ms. Antonette Richards, Programme Director, Civil Registration and Migration Unit, Planning Institute of Jamaica: Minimizing adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country, while strengthening return pathways, skills development and human capital retention
  • Ms. Damira Jovanovic, Serbian Association of Employers: Addressing Labour Shortages in an Era of Demographic Change: practical challenges in accessing regular migration pathways, including administrative barriers, skills mismatches, and the need to adapt migration policies to evolving labour market and workforce trends
  • Ms. Estefania Guallar Ariño, IMRF Gender Rapporteur: Evidence-based migration policies in an era of demographic change: A gender perspective
  • Mr. Lukmon Akintola, PANiDMR, African Non-state Actors Platform on Migration and Development: Migration and development nexus: Education, decent work, and diaspora contributions, including for young people

 

9.30 - 9.50 a.m.

Q & A session

  • Interactive exchange with participants  

 

9.51 - 10.00 a.m.

Closing remarks

  • Final takeaways from the moderator
  • Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General Operations, International Organization for Migration (IOM)