Migration as a Development Catalyst: Through Policy Development Based on Evidence, Diaspora Involvement, and International Collaboration

Thanks Programme Director and Good morning, Honorable Minister, National Planning Commissioners, friends and colleagues from government, the UN, AU, and SADC. 

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen – allow me to stand on the shoulders of the previous speakers and say All Protocol Observed. 

HAPPY WOMENS MONTH.

The point is regularly made that MIGRATION is an unavoidable demographic transition phenomenon.

Mobility – forced or voluntary - is historically a defining feature of humanity and civilisation as well as slavery, industrialisation and now globalisation. 

People leave their ancestral homes to work, earn, learn and seek a better future and opportunities. 

Others are taken or forced to flee from conflict, oppression, disruption, and environmental shifts.

Understanding, planning for, and managing the safe, dignified, and orderly outflow and inflow of people is crucial and at the heart of several Continental and global agenda and compacts.

Without taking into consideration the movement of people, finance, and goods, we cannot make progress in achieving the national development objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals and indeed our AU Agenda 2063.

That is why this gathering to discuss “Migration as a Development Catalyst: Through Policy Development Based on Evidence, Diaspora Involvement and International Collaboration, could not be more timely. 

The global landscape is rapidly changing, and the need for comprehensive, evidence-based policies on migration has never been more urgent. 

This will help us formulate and advance POLICIES that address the development challenges AND create opportunities to unlock the full potential and resources of migration as a driver of economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation.

The adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) in 2018 upholds the mission of the United Nations and represents the international community’s resolve to assess actions, enhance cooperation and expand rights-based pathways for migration.

It is critical that we amplify collective efforts towards a safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership and respect for human rights as well as the rule of law.

We meet at a time of immense opportunities and challenges for the African Diaspora across South Africa, the African Continent, and on the World. 

In South Africa, the ongoing efforts by the Government of National Unity and social actors to prepare and hold a comprehensive national dialogue must also consider ways of fostering social cohesion and tackling of the perception and reality of not optimally managed migration. 

Abuse of immigration systems is not acceptable just as physical or verbal attacks on migrants are concerning and also condemnable.

Distinguished participants,

The fast approaching UN General Assembly High Level Week including the Summit of the Future, presents an opportunity to rebuild trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle interlinked, current, emerging, and anticipated challenges. 

It is our chance to re-commit to a multilateralism that delivers for everyone, everywhere – including bolstering a rights-based approach to migration governance, peace and security.

The UN Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres has stated “Migration is a fact of life and a force for good…Today and every day, we must work towards a more humane and orderly management of migration for the benefit of all.”

That is why we need to factor in our planning the fact that Africa’s working age population is projected to more than double by 2050. 

At the same time, there is increased unemployment and under-employment especially amongst African youth who seek to build a decent life and living of their own, therefore potentially contributing to the Diaspora.  

South Africa, with its rich history and dynamic society, is a testament to the profound impact migration can have on a nation’s development. 

As we convene here, we are reminded that migration is not just a challenge to be managed, but an opportunity to be harnessed for the betterment of our societies.

We must achieve this through strengthened local, regional, and international cooperation across all departments, segments of the society, countries and stakeholders at all levels.

Acknowledging the persistent issues of poverty, high unemployment, and inequality facing the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) focus on three strategic priorities: inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.  

At the core of these priorities is the need to advance social justice and equal prosperity for all.

The UN in South Africa, through the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2025, remains aligned and committed to strengthening human rights and social cohesion across the identified priority areas. 

By leveraging partnerships, we can accelerate our efforts and shift towards building a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Minister, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the discussions over the next few days will focus on three critical pillars:

1. Policy Development Based on Evidence,
2. Diaspora Involvement, and 
3. International Collaboration

On Policy Development Based on Evidence - in an era of information, data is our most powerful tool, we must ensure that our policies are grounded in quality, robust, accurate data, allowing us to respond effectively to the realities of migration. 

Diaspora Involvement is a bridge between cultures, economies, and opportunities. 

Engaging the diaspora in development efforts enriches both the host and home countries. 

Their contributions, whether through remittances, knowledge transfer, or entrepreneurship, are invaluable to our collective progress. 

The Diaspora sends 65 billion US dollars every year to the African continent, which is more money than is received in international aid[1].

In addition to this, if we consider the recent Olympic Games. If athletes of African descent were counted not as part of their official nation, but as part of the diaspora to which they de facto belong, they would have won 65 medals[2].

And International Collaboration: Migration is a global phenomenon that transcends borders. Addressing its complexities requires strong international cooperation. 

By working together, sharing best practices, and fostering partnerships, we can ensure that migration policies are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Compact on Migration, the AU Agenda 2063, the SADC Regional Migration Policy Framework as well as National development plans. 

I am pleased to hear that we have representatives from all 16 SADC Member States, as well as participants from Ethiopia and Nigeria. 

As we embark on this journey of dialogue and collaboration, I encourage each of you to share your insights, experiences, and ideas. 

I want to thank the Government of South Africa, NPC, IOM and UNDP for driving this important initiative.

President Ramaphosa, at his Opening of Parliament Address a month ago, urged “all of us to behave like ‘weaver birds’.” Stating that “weavers are among the most gregarious birds in that they build complex structures together and cooperate.”

Let us work together to shape and weave a future where migration is recognised as a powerful catalyst for development, where policies are informed by evidence, and where the contributions of the diaspora are fully realised.

Allow me to close with the words of the UN secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres – “Migrants are part of our societies – they must be part of the renewed social contract that I call for in my report on Our Common Agenda to enable individuals, States and others to build trust, increase participation, and strengthen social cohesion.”

Thank you for your commitment to this cause, and I look forward to the productive discussions and outcomes of this conference.

Let us make the most of this opportunity to drive meaningful change for people and planet. 

[1] State of the African Diaspora. 2024. https://thestateofafricandiaspora.com/the-african-diaspora/ 

[2] State of the African Diaspora. 2024. https://thestateofafricandiaspora.com/olympic-games-with-15-gold-medals-the-african-diaspora-ranks-5th-in-the-international-ranking/