More than 304 million people now live outside their country of birth, and false narratives about them—spread through social media and generative AI—are turning public anxiety into suspicion and migrants into targets, the head of the UN Migration Agency warned in Geneva on Monday. Speaking at the opening of the International Dialogue on Migration, International Organization for Migration Director General Amy Pope said economic uncertainty, conflict and climate pressures are testing governments and communities worldwide. “People’s concerns are real, and we have to take them seriously. We also have to be honest about where our systems are falling short,” Pope said. “Facts and figures alone won’t win back public confidence. IOM reported that the UN will review global progress on the Sustainable Development Goal target on well-managed migration in July 2027, followed by the SDG Summit in September 2027, where discussions will begin on what comes after the 2030 Agenda. Pope outlined three areas for action. First, countries along the same migration routes must plan together to expand regular pathways, strengthen protection and humane border management, and support dignified return. Second, communities hit by repeated floods and failing harvests need early investment so people can stay where possible and move safely when necessary. Third, reliable data and the voices of affected people must be at the heart of decisions, with technology that protects personal information and guards against bias.”
Migration’s Global Reach
The warning covers a vast population. IOM counts 168 million migrant workers among the 304 million international migrants. Nearly half of all international migrants are women and girls, many facing heightened risks of discrimination, abuse and exploitation. Money sent home by migrants reaches around one billion people—roughly one in eight people on the planet—and pays for food, schooling and healthcare.
Why Trust Matters Now
As trust erodes, governments face growing public resistance and have less room to cooperate, leaving migrants exposed to greater risks along their journeys. The IDM, now in its 25th year, brings together governments, UN agencies, the private sector, local authorities, researchers and young people. “Trust is earned one step at a time. Every agreement we honor, and every person we treat fairly, makes cooperation stronger,” Pope said. IOM reported that a record number of states and stakeholders gathered at the International Migration Review Forum in May and reaffirmed their commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration.
Questions on the UN Migration Warning
What is the International Dialogue on Migration?
The IDM is the IOM’s main forum for migration policy dialogue, marking 25 years in 2026. It convenes governments, UN agencies, the private sector, local authorities, researchers and young people to shape migration policy.
How is AI changing migration misinformation?
IOM reports that generative AI and social media are amplifying false and misleading narratives about migrants at speed. This deepens polarization and mistrust within communities while turning anxiety into suspicion.
When does the UN next review migration goals?
The UN will review global progress on the Sustainable Development Goal target on well-managed migration in July 2027. The SDG Summit follows in September 2027 to begin discussions on the post-2030 Agenda. The dialogue’s outcomes will feed into the IOM Council in December, which will hold a high-level panel on “Strengthening Political Trust for Migration Governance.”