KATHMANDU, December 18 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said migrants play a critical role in driving economic growth by filling skills gap, driving innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting development in both countries of origin and destination
Issuing a statement on the occasion of International Migrants Day on Thursday, the UN chief emphasized the human and economic impact of migration, saying, “Migrants play a critical role in labour markets, filling skills gaps, driving innovation and entrepreneurship, and addressing demographic challenges in aging societies. Migrants boost economic growth and provide a lifeline to families and communities back home, driving development.”
Calling for stronger global efforts to protect migrants’ rights and ensure safe and orderly migration, the Secretary-General said that the evidence is overwhelming that when migration is managed safely and strategically, it can be a powerful force for good, adding that “supporting regular pathways for migration, we can enable opportunities for migrants, better protect their rights, and contribute to greater prosperity in the countries migrants come from and those that host them.”
Highlight the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs, he said conflicts, climate-related disasters and economic pressures continue to drive millions of people from their homes in search of safety or simply opportunity.
Since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants are known to have died or gone missing along land and sea routes, with the actual number believed to be significantly higher.
Meanwhile, to mark International Migrants Day 2025, International Organization of Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Forum for Nation Building, and in collaboration with Dhankuta Municipality and Mithila Municipality, organized Municipal Interaction Programs on Safe Migration.
According to IOM, these interactions aimed to strengthen local-level understanding, coordination, and collaboration to promote safe, orderly, and dignified migration. A total of 95 participants (24 women and 71 men) took part, including municipal officials, ward representatives, community stakeholders, civil society organizations, and local migration-related service providers.
Aligned with this year’s IMD theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” the discussions highlighted migration as a powerful driver of socio-economic development, creating skills, jobs, and remittances, while underscoring the importance of social cohesion, inclusive local governance, and dignity throughout the migration process. Participants shared experiences and explored practical ways to promote safer migration pathways, improve access to accurate information, and strengthen local support mechanisms for migrants and their communities.
