As the big global development finance meeting wraps up in Seville, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging governments and investors to treat migration as a real driver of progress, not just a problem to manage. The world faces a $4 trillion a year funding gap for development, and IOM says smart investment in human mobility can help close that gap, according to a press release.
“Migrants do a lot more than people think—they help economies grow, keep communities connected, and build resilience in tough times,” said IOM’s Director General Amy Pope.
But too often, migration gets left out of big-picture planning and budgets. Pope believes that when countries invest in safer, better-managed migration, everybody wins.
The conference focused on moving past quick fixes and building long-term plans. IOM wants governments and development banks to make migration part of their core strategies. That means lowering fees for sending money home, supporting digital access, and making it easier for diaspora communities to invest back into their home countries. Good data is also key—knowing who needs help and what works best can make a huge difference.
One tool already making waves is the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which supports projects in dozens of countries. Now, IOM is pushing for more partners and a bigger budget—$150 million by 2026—to get even more practical help where it’s needed.
The event closed with a shared commitment, the Compromiso de Sevilla, focused on fairer, more sustainable financing. If migration is put at the heart of development, IOM says, we all benefit—not just migrants, but the communities they call home.
