Migration and Climate are some of the key issues driving societal polarisation. Innovation in education, employment and technology can help with integration, adaptation and resilience to change.

The World Economic Forum has identified ‘Erosion of social cohesion and societal polarisation’ and ‘Large scale involuntary migration’ as two of the top 10 Global Risks for the next decade. Today, citizens are frustrated due to perceived lack of direct governmental action in human development and social mobility. But migration is increasingly necessary for countries of all income levels due to global economic imbalances, demographic trends, and climate change in the coming decades.

Both voluntary and involuntary migration is on the rise as displacement is occurring in more than one context. Fast pace development of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and transition to clean energy are also resulting in significant churn in the labour market. The displacement and educational disruption of millions of young, future workforce contributors threatens global prosperity, especially as the issue of aging populations looms over major economies in the world.

Labor economics and international law provide the two main lenses to understand migration patterns and to design the appropriate policies for cross-border movements. The World Bank Match and Motive Matrix provides a framework that unifies these two lenses to identify priority policies for four types of movements based on who moves and under what circumstances. Match’ determines the net gains of receiving migrants, ‘Motive’ determines International protection needs.

While skill levels vary in migrant population, often lack of effective translation and recognition of skills in recipient countries contribute to a perceived “weaker” match. This can cause loss of productivity and value from migrants who have the right skills or potential to be up-skilled and deployed in the labour market quickly. The "weaker" section of the Match and Motive Matrix is where there is most need for change as it involves vulnerable displaced populations facing prolonged periods of disruption.

The intricate link between human migration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The UN SDGs are intricately linked to migration in several significant ways. Migration, both voluntary and forced, intersects with many of the 17 SDGs, impacting and being impacted by the global pursuit of these goals. In short, migration is a cross-cutting issue that affects and is affected by multiple SDGs. Effective management of migration is crucial for the achievement of the SDGs, requiring coordinated efforts across countries and sectors. Here's a closer look at how migration relates to the SDGs:

• No Poverty (SDG 1): Migration can be both a cause and a consequence of poverty. People often migrate to escape poverty, and remittances sent back by migrants can be a vital source of income for families in poorer countries.
• Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Migrants may leave areas affected by food insecurity or contribute to agricultural productivity in their new locations. Remittances also help families in origin countries to afford food.
• Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Migrants often face health challenges and may lack access to healthcare. Ensuring migrants have health services is crucial for achieving this goal.
• Quality Education (SDG 4): Migrant children may face barriers to accessing education. Integrating migrant children into educational systems and ensuring they receive quality education is essential for this SDG.
• Gender Equality (SDG 5): Migration can empower women by providing more opportunities, but it can also expose them to risks like trafficking and exploitation.
• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Migrants, particularly in refugee camps, often struggle to access clean water and sanitation, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Migrants contribute significantly to economies where they work but often face exploitation and lack of decent work conditions.
• Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Reducing inequality requires ensuring migrants have equal opportunities and are not discriminated against.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The influx of migrants into urban areas impacts urban planning and sustainability. Creating migrant-friendly cities is key to this goal.
• Climate Action (SDG 13): Climate change is an increasing driver of migration. Addressing the root causes of climate-induced migration is critical to this SDG.
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): Conflict, often a cause of forced migration, is directly addressed in this goal. Additionally, ensuring migrants' rights and access to justice is part of creating inclusive societies.
• Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Addressing migration effectively requires international cooperation and partnerships, as migration is inherently a cross-border issue.