Addis ababa: Ethiopia has hosted a regional conference aimed at strengthening the role of migration research in shaping policies for peacebuilding and sustainable development. The conference, taking place from June 17 to 19, 2026, has brought together policymakers, academics, migration experts, and representatives of universities, government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations from across the Horn of Africa.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the conference, themed 'Migration and Forced Displacement Research for Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development in Ethiopia', is organized by Addis Ababa University in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Speaking at the event, Justice State Minister Belayhun Yirga highlighted that migration presents both opportunities and challenges for Ethiopia and the wider international community.
The state minister noted that Ethiopian migrants make significant contributions to national development through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, and transnational networks. He emphasized that, when properly governed, migration becomes a powerful driver of economic prosperity and social progress. He also cautioned against the dangers associated with irregular migration, which can expose individuals to exploitation, trafficking, and other risks.
State Minister for Higher Education Kora Tushune opened the conference by emphasizing the importance of research in informing policy decisions and improving the lives of displaced populations and migrants. He stressed that research has the power to transform lives and called for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, development partners, and civil society to translate knowledge into impact.
Director of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Migration at the African Union Commission, Ibrahima Amadou Dia, urged participants to examine forced displacement within the context of evolving geopolitical realities and persistent protection challenges. He highlighted that forcibly displaced people are strategic navigators pursuing mobility and livelihoods despite challenging circumstances.
On behalf of the Acting President of Addis Ababa University, Professor Fikadu Gashaw described the conference as a critical platform for bridging academic research and practical solutions. He cited global displacement figures to underline the urgency of developing evidence-based recommendations for safe and orderly migration and expressed the university's commitment to serving as a hub for research and solutions.