Dhaka, May 31, 2026 — Bangladesh has underscored migration as an important climate adaptation strategy for addressing the growing challenges of climate-induced displacement, while calling for stronger international cooperation to enhance resilience and protect human dignity.
The issue was highlighted during a meeting between Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Nahida Sobhan, and Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The discussions focused on the interconnected challenges of climate change, migration, and sustainable development.
Climate-induced displacement continues to be a major driver of human mobility, particularly in countries that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Bangladesh emphasized that well-managed migration can serve as a practical and effective adaptation measure, helping affected communities build resilience and access new opportunities.
During the meeting, Ambassador Nahida Sobhan congratulated Amy Pope on the successful completion of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) and the publication of the World Migration Report 2026, according to the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva on Saturday.
She expressed optimism that these initiatives would contribute to harnessing migration as a catalyst for sustainable development, especially for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and nations facing severe climate risks.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to contribute to future editions of the World Migration Report and support global efforts to advance evidence-based migration policies.
In addition, the meeting explored ways in which the IOM could further strengthen support for the well-being and resilience of the Rohingya population—officially referred to as Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs)—as well as the host communities in Bangladesh that continue to bear the social and economic impacts of the prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Both sides reiterated the importance of collaborative international action to address displacement, migration governance, and sustainable development in an era of increasing climate challenges.
