Vienna Migration Conference with "Migration Ministers" From Afghanistan, Bulgaria and Nigeria

VIENNA, October 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

"A platform bringing together decision makers and experts" - this is how the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Director General Michael Spindelegger described the Vienna Migration Conference, which will take place at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna on 23-24 October.

First held in 2016, the conference is ICMPD's flagship event promoting collaboration on critical issues in the field of migration. ICMPD will host ministers, state and deputy state secretaries, as well as high-level representatives from Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Norway, the EU Commission, European External Action Service and the European Investment Bank. Together with more than 300 participants including political decision makers, government experts, academia, media and civil society they will explore a key question that should enable safe and orderly migration: How should partnerships on migration work in the future?

ICMPD will present five Migration Partnership Priorities developed on basis of its long-standing experience in the migration field. These priorities cover a range of topics, from crisis responsiveness to refugee autonomy, responsibility sharing and pathways to protection, the regional dimensions of migration and displacement, pathways for legal migration, perspectives for the young and educated in countries of origin and more intelligent policies on return. "The relationship between countries of origin and countries of destination of migrants should not be based on simple deal-making. Substantial partnerships that cater for both immediate and long-term needs are what we have to achieve," says Director General Spindelegger.

The conference will also highlight opportunities for the private sector to contribute to policies that promote safe, regular and orderly migration. Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank, will provide a keynote address examining the role of the private sector in the field of migration.

"The Vienna Migration Conference discusses pressing migration issues from a European perspective and from the perspective of our many partners from outside Europe. While we acknowledge areas where progress has been made, it is also necessary to identify areas where gaps persist and questions remain open," said Director General Spindelegger.

The International Centre for Migration Policy Development is a key player in the migration field. The organisation has 15 member states and carries out activities throughout the world, including Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. The Vienna-based organisation has a mission in Brussels and duty stations in other 18 countries. Founded in 1993, ICMPD serves as a support mechanism for informal consultations and provides expertise in multilateral cooperation on migration issues. The principles of partnership and balancing of interests are the foundation of the organisation.

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