Ethiopia Hosts Migration Conference for Peace & Development

Researchers, policymakers, and migration experts gathered in Addis Ababa this week to tackle one of the region's most complex challenges with fresh hope and evidence-based solutions.

From June 17 to 19, Ethiopia hosted a regional conference focused on using migration research to build peace and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa. Addis Ababa University partnered with the Ministry of Education to bring together academics, government officials, civil society leaders, and development partners for meaningful dialogue.

The timing matters. With over 118 million people forcibly displaced worldwide and more than 25 million in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the region faces urgent humanitarian needs that require smart, compassionate responses.

Justice State Minister Belayhun Yirga highlighted migration's dual nature during the opening session. Ethiopian migrants send home remittances, launch businesses, transfer skills, and build networks that fuel national development. When managed well, migration drives economic prosperity and social progress.

But the risks are real. Too many people attempt dangerous irregular journeys that expose them to trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and even death. The conference aims to address these dangers through better policy and protection.

State Minister for Higher Education Kora Tushune emphasized research as a catalyst for change. Well-designed studies can strengthen national policies, improve humanitarian responses, and shape legislation that saves lives. The challenge is connecting researchers with policymakers willing to act and development partners ready to turn knowledge into impact.

The Ripple Effect

The conference represents more than talk. Addis Ababa University plans to become a regional hub for migration research and solutions, creating a lasting infrastructure for evidence-based policymaking.

Ibrahima Amadou Dia from the African Union Commission reminded participants that displaced people are not passive victims but strategic navigators pursuing mobility, legality, and livelihoods despite hostile systems. This perspective shift could transform how policies protect and empower migrants rather than simply manage them.

Professor Fikadu Gashaw outlined the conference's clear ambition: move beyond dialogue to actionable recommendations that guide safe, orderly migration and strengthen protections across the region. The partnerships formed this week between universities, governments, and civil society organizations create pathways for sustained collaboration.

As participants share findings and forge connections, the conference is building a foundation for migration policies rooted in human dignity, economic opportunity, and regional stability that could benefit millions across the Horn of Africa.