Ethiopia Links Migration, Displacement and Climate Policy at Geneva Forum

What changed

Ethiopia used an IOM finance and programmes forum in Geneva on October 29–30 to link migration, displacement and climate change in one policy agenda.

Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka called for:

• nationally led programmes addressing immediate humanitarian needs and the causes of displacement;
• more investment in anticipatory action, livelihoods and community resilience;
• predictable, diversified financing and stronger international cooperation.

Ethiopia also described itself as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants.

Why it matters

The significance is practical: Ethiopia is arguing that migration policy cannot be separated from development, climate resilience or humanitarian work. That approach puts funding choices at the centre of the discussion. Money aimed only at emergencies may not address the conditions that drive displacement, while long-term development plans still need to protect people facing immediate needs.

The proposal is especially relevant to Ethiopia’s young people, since the ambassador identified irregular migration among young people as a challenge requiring coordinated international action and sustainable development.

The outlook remains uncertain. The forum produced a stated policy direction, but no new funding, binding commitments, implementation targets or agreed follow-up measures were identified. The next test is whether international partners turn the call for sustained financing and community resilience into nationally led programmes with measurable support.