Remarks at International Migration Day Commemoration

Salutations:

• Our Chief Guest, The Honourable Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations;
• Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament;
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
• Heads of United Nations Agencies and other UN colleagues;
• Representatives of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies;
• Distinguished Partners from Civil Society, Academia and Students from the various universities represented here, and the Migrants community;
• Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning!

Warm greetings to each one of you as we gather to celebrate this year’s International Migrants Day under the theme “Advancing Regular Pathways for Inclusive Development’’ to recognize the contribution of migrants to our society. 

In celebrating this day, we must recognize migrants are not just people in motion. They are vibrant carriers of expertise, cultures, energies, and contributions that weave into the rich tapestry of sustainable development in every nation. 

Migration brings significant benefits in the form of skills, strengthening the labour force, investment, and cultural diversity to communities of destination. And migration contributes to improving the lives of communities in migrants’ countries of origin through the transfer of skills and financial resources.

Ladies and Gentlemen, at the United Nations we acknowledge the powerful force of regular pathways for safe, orderly, and responsible migration as a catalyser for development. We know that migration, when navigated with precision, contributes to a nation’s development through myriad channels of including the following: 

1. Alleviating poverty and spurring economic growth - exemplified by remittances. 
2. Catalysing investment, trade, and knowledge exchange. Including engaging the diaspora, welcoming returning migrants, and fostering educational opportunities through scholarships.
3. Igniting the flames of innovation and diversity.
4. Enhancing security and peacebuilding, including robust efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking.
5. Providing an opportunity for communities to cope with climate change and disasters. 

At the UN we recognize that for these opportunities to be maximized, stronger partnerships amongst and across all sectors are key. Partnerships are at the heart of unlocking the promise of migration.

Partnerships are at the core of the Global Compact of Migration (GCM), Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). New, stronger, and inclusive partnerships are needed at the national, regional, and international levels, to ensure that all stakeholders involved with migration – and with migrants – are included. 

In these partnerships, the private sector plays an important role in maximizing the potential of human mobility while upholding the rights of migrants. The Private Sector can offer opportunities including the following:

1. Foster sustainable regular pathways that allow migrants to extend their skills.
2. Strengthen labour migration governance.
3. Improve corporate responsibility to respect the human rights of migrant workers. 
4. Enhance knowledge and skills transfer and development. 
5. Promote the development of technologies for migration. 

The UN remains committed to proactively identify opportunities for partnerships with the ultimate goal to provide innovative solutions for migrants and migration and ensure no one is left behind.

As we commemorate International Migrants Day 2024, we would like to further celebrate the success of migration; dispel misconceptions; and showcase the invaluable contribution made by mobile populations from and in Uganda.

Together, we can work towards a world that is inclusive, understanding, and ready to harness the potential and address the challenges presented by migration. Let's cherish the beauty of diversity, recognize the resilience of migrants, and commit to a sustainable future where everyone, regardless of where they come from, has an equal opportunity to thrive. 

In his message for International Migrants Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres notes that:

“The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted six years ago, provides concrete solutions to protect migrants at every step of their journeys and continue expanding rights-based pathways for migration. 

And through the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the countries of the world re-committed to strengthening international partnerships and global cooperation for safe, orderly and regular migration.” (End of quote)

I would like to thank IOM Uganda under leadership of Chief of Mission Mr. Sanusi Tegan Savage for hosting the International Migrants Day (IMD) 2024 and all participating universities and students, Development partners, CSOs, migrant communities, and experts for taking part in the International Migrants Day.

I extend my warm congratulations to Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun- Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, your esteemed team, and the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for their efforts in fostering migration for development. 

In closing, let me reaffirm that the United Nations stands steadfastly ready to support the Government of Uganda in implementing its migration commitments.

Thank you.