As world leaders and stakeholders convene for COP 30 in Brazil, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Regional Office in Nairobi has called for human mobility to be placed at the core of climate negotiations.
In a statement, IOM emphasised the urgent need to integrate national development goals with climate mobility priorities as a critical step toward achieving sustainable and inclusive climate action.
“Around the world, people are moving or struggling to stay; disasters, climate shocks, and environmental degradation are forcing people from their homes every year,” the statement read.
“Today, disasters are the leading cause of displacement. In 2024 alone, there were over 45 million disaster displacements.”
The organisation stressed that the voices of migrants, displaced persons, indigenous communities, and local populations must be heard and factored into policy decisions.
At COP 30, IOM insists that people should be at the centre of climate action strategies.
“We must protect those who wish to stay, support those forced to move, and create safe, dignified options for those who need to move,” the statement said.
“Together we can build a safer, more sustainable future for all.”
IOM’s call highlights the growing intersection of climate change and human mobility, stressing that policies addressing environmental displacement cannot be separated from national development planning.
By recognising the movement of people caused by climate shocks as a core development concern, governments can create resilient communities capable of withstanding disasters while ensuring the dignity and safety of affected populations.
As COP 30 discussions unfold, IOM’s appeal underscores the importance of people-centred climate solutions, urging governments to prioritise those most vulnerable to environmental displacement in both local and global climate strategies.
“Integrating climate mobility into national development goals is not optional; it is essential for sustainable and equitable climate action,” IOM concluded.