GENEVA, NOVEMBER 29 – The 114th session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) ended today in Geneva. Over 100 national delegations and a large number of observers participated to the meeting and expressed their support for the new Director General, Amy Pope, and for the important work carried out by IOM in managing migration flows, exacerbated by conflict, violence, disasters and the impact of climate change.
The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, intervened during the General Debate, renewing the Government’s support for the Organization, which represents the first partner of the Italian migration strategy focused on strengthening collaboration with the countries of origin and transit. Ambassador Grassi stated that “The creation of safe and regular pathways contributes to the effective management of migratory flows and Italy hopes to continue working with IOM in the fields of training, social inclusion and labor market mobility”, also highlighting that migration and displacement have reached unprecedented levels and are becoming an increasingly complex phenomenon to which diversified and innovative responses are needed.
Ambassador Grassi also encouraged a closer collaboration between IOM and UNHCR in order to find solutions to mixed movements, but also with the Inter-Agency standing Committee (IASC), the Special Adviser for Solutions on Displacements and other UN agencies working on climate and disaster risk reduction.
In conclusion, the Permanent Representative thanked DG Pope for her involvement in the Rome Process launched on 23 July during the International Conference on Development and Migration and for her valuable contribution to initiatives such as the upcoming Italy-Africa Summit, representing a stepping stone for the prioritization of migration and development that Italy is committed to promote as incoming G7 Presidency. (@OnuItalia)
