HIBAPRESS-RABAT-IOM
Well-managed migration is a critical part of how small island developing states achieve resilient prosperity, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said.
The group of 39 states and 18 associate members will also ratify the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS), a 10-year plan to build resilient economies and foster prosperous societies.
“Small island developing states face significant challenges, but they also have enormous opportunities to build sustainable development and resilient prosperity. Safe and regular migration pathways can help these countries build this prosperity by leveraging their workforce to help diversify and strengthen economic progress.” said IOM Director General Amy Pope
Migration is embedded in the social, economic, historical and cultural fabric of small island developing States. They are home to 3.81 million international migrants and are the countries of origin for almost 10 million migrants. They also benefit from significant inter-regional mobility.
Although progress has been made in recent decades, SIDS face unique sustainable development challenges, which require
-innovative approaches to building resilient economies
-foster safe, healthy and prosperous societies
-achieve water, food and energy security
-conserve biodiversity
-sustainably use ocean resources and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. Migration can be leveraged to address these issues and contribute to greater prosperity for countries of origin and destination.
