BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Migration and
urbanization can no longer undergo management in isolation from one
another, as these processes remain deeply interconnected, said
Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International
Organization for Migration (IOM), Trend reports.
She made the remark during a panel discussion titled "Migration
and Cities: A Framework for Safe, Innovative and Sustainable
Governance" held within the framework of the 13th session of the
World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
She noted that the current discussions serve as a direct
continuation of the global dialogue conducted two weeks prior at
the International Migration Review Forum in New York.
"Today, migration takes on an increasingly urban character. This
process shapes itself against the backdrop of climate change,
conflicts, demographic shifts, and ongoing inequalities," she
pointed out.
Daniels stated that according to the IOM's World Migration
Report 2026, roughly 304 million international migrants currently
live worldwide. "This constitutes approximately 3.7% of the global
population. However, their economic and social contributions stand
far larger than their numbers alone suggest," she emphasized.
She noted that over 55% of the global population currently
resides in cities, with this metric expected to reach 68% in the
future. "This is precisely why, as the IOM, our cooperation with
the State Migration Service in Azerbaijan carries special
significance for us. Cities turn into the front lines of migration
management," the Deputy Director General added.
Daniels concluded that migrants predominantly settle in urban
areas where jobs, services, and opportunities concentrate. "Yet,
concurrently, pressure amplifies across cities regarding housing,
infrastructure, public services, and social cohesion," she
noted.
Today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
