Migration has a profound impact on our world. In an era of increasing globalisation, digitalisation and rapid urbanisation, it affects all countries and populations more than ever before. The inclusion of migration in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a unique opportunity to assess the impact of migration on various development issues and to better understand how development affects migration and migrants*. Migration has a direct impact on the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and many of their targets. The SDGs cannot be achieved if migration is not adequately addressed.
Migration can be a powerful force for sustainable development, both for migrants*, their communities in countries of origin, and for transit and destination countries. But just as migration has an impact on development, development also has an impact on migration. The contribution of migrant organisations and initiatives to the development of public goods in their countries of origin is an example of an effective contribution to the development of their countries of origin. Many migrant associations and initiatives aim to fund schools, health centres and water supply systems. Their impact on local development is often positive, as their members know the problems of the community. Migrants* can also have a positive impact on the development of their destination country/area. In many cases, they fill labour shortages and bring skills that are not known or not yet well mastered in the host country. Migrants* can create new markets and business opportunities between their destination and home countries.
Migration can foster innovation, as in the case of return migration, where the initial pre-migration knowledge and knowledge gained during the stay in the host country is used as a basis in the communities of origin through the return of migrants. It can shape personal and family projects in the areas of education, skills, income generation and livelihoods. For migrants in vulnerable situations, as may be the case for some women and girls, adolescents and children, it should be noted that measures need to be taken to accompany integration and effective settlement in the host country. This is important as a factor of empowerment, in order to give them the means to realise their aspirations in terms of profession, education or access to health.
This section we would like to present to you is structured to give an overview of the contribution of migrant organizations to cooperation and sustainable development at different levels. It also focuses on initiatives and accompanying organizations for the empowerment of migrants.