ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the Ethiopian government, has officially opened its 4th Scientific Conference on Migration, Displacement, and Urbanization in Addis Ababa.
The three-day event aims to advance regional understanding and forge solutions that promote sustainable development amid rapidly evolving migration and urbanization trends.
Gathering policymakers, researchers, civil society actors, development partners, and government officials from across the IGAD region and beyond, the conference provides a critical platform to explore the complex interconnections between human mobility and urban growth.
With the IGAD region facing rising displacement driven by conflict, climate change, economic pressures, and demographic shifts, the event focuses on five key themes: Drivers and Root Causes; Urban Governance and Policy; Socio-Economic Integration; Financing, Investment and Innovation; and Data and Evidence for Policy and Planning.
Speaking on behalf of IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Head of Mission to Ethiopia Abebaw Belachew emphasized the organization’s commitment to people-centered, research-informed policies that reflect the region’s dynamic realities.
“This conference is a vital opportunity for evidence-based dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation. It aims to bridge the gap between research and policy, strengthening national and regional frameworks to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Belachew said.
Tayiba Hassen Kayo, Director General of Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service, highlighted the urgent challenges that displacement poses to urban areas.
“Displaced populations often arrive with limited resources and struggle to access essential services or sustainable livelihoods. This influx places pressure on urban systems, leading to overcrowded settlements, poverty, and social tensions,” she noted. “Effective urban planning and inclusive policies are crucial for ensuring social cohesion and sustainable development.”
The conference, supported by partners including the Government of Sweden, Cities Alliance, the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS), and the IGAD Universities Forum, builds on previous editions by centering knowledge generation and regional cooperation to shape resilient urban futures.
Belachew reflected on the historic impact of human mobility on cities and societies, stressing the urgency posed by the scale, speed, and complexity of today’s migration and displacement trends.
“Cities and towns are at the forefront of absorbing large, often vulnerable populations under immense strain, while striving to maintain social cohesion and provide services,” he said. “Unemployment, insecurity, political instability, and poverty continue to drive displacement across the IGAD region.”
As a key regional economic bloc, IGAD plays a critical role in fostering integration and supporting member states to develop inclusive policies that empower migrants and displaced people to participate in decision-making and community life.
The conference brings together a unique mix of government leaders, researchers, and development partners whose collaboration is essential for crafting evidence-based, long-term strategies that address both immediate humanitarian needs and future urban transformation.
Since 2018, IGAD has convened multiple conferences tackling various aspects of human mobility and social cohesion.
This fourth edition prioritizes the growing nexus between migration, displacement, and urbanization — highlighting the need for inclusive governance and sustainable urban planning in the region’s rapidly expanding cities.
Research papers presented during the conference are expected to provide actionable insights on root causes, urban management, integration, financing, and data-driven policymaking.
Participants will also exchange good practices and lessons learned from across the region.
“Bringing together mayors, policymakers, and academics creates a rare platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration,” Belachew said. “We hope this conference sparks rigorous dialogue and joint action to build greater equity and resilience for the people of the IGAD region.”
