Empowering youth and migrants: IOM foster balanced migration narratives
WVR - On December 19, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the talk show "Every step: Inspiration on the move" to celebrate International Migrants Day 2024.
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| On December 19, talk show 'Every step: Inspiration on the move' to celebrate International Migrants Day 2024. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
The event sought to empower young people to raise their voices and create the more balanced narrative of migration. Over 180 migrants, youth representatives, international organizations and notable guests – including the representatives from the Government of Vietnam – attended the event.
According to IOM, of the world's 281 million migrants, 87 million or about 31% are under the age of 30. Migration and youth are inseparable, fostering a vibrant mix of change and new opportunities.
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| Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
In opening remarks, Ms. Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, emphasized: "While on the move, young people act like ambassadors. They cultivate new connections, expand understanding about different parts of the world, and create more knowledge. The networks and knowledge fostered consequently transforms migration as a path for progress. This is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals".
"I believe that young people drive change and can lead the way in their communities and at the national level. I also believe that if we work together and exchange ideas, we can be much more effective in making migration work for all", she added.
In her part, IOM's Chief of Mission Kendra Rinas said: “The talk show aims to contribute to the efforts of the Government of Vietnam to promote safe, orderly and regular migration by providing a platform for youth, including young migrants, to exchange knowledge and share experiences on the benefits of migration. It is a great opportunity to highlight the diverse challenges associated with each journey, inspire people to raise their voices, promote safe migration pathways and deliver the promise of well-managed migration."
In addressing the complexities of migration, IOM's Chief of Mission Rinas highlighted the importance of youth participation, “These young people are the future leaders of our society. Their voices, ideas and actions are crucial in shaping migration policies and strategies, pushing Vietnam closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
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| The event sought to empower young people to raise their voices and create the more balanced narrative of migration.(Source: IOM) |
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phan Thi Minh Giang said that for a safe migration journey, migrants need a solid foundation. Migrants should prepare thoroughly before embarking on their journeys, equipping themselves with the necessary information, knowledge, and skills, particularly in terms of how to behave, prevent risks, and protect themselves in challenging situations, or when facing discrimination or vulnerability abroad, she said.
Deputy Director Giang pointed to the need that migration should be approached in an open and balanced manner, explaining that the UN, in its 2030 Agenda, has recognised migration as a factor contributing to sustainable development. It is crucial that all stakeholders cooperate closely to enable legal, safe, and orderly migration, while safeguarding the rights and legitimate interests of migrants, she said.
The official briefed participants on Vietnam’s efforts to ensure safe immigration and support immigrants, noting that about 100,000 Vietnamese workers go abroad each year (excepting for COVID-19 pandemic period) to work under contracts, while about 10,000 others travel to other countries to study.
In 2020, Vietnam promulgated the Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers and related guiding documents. Most recently, on November 28, 2024, the National Assembly passed the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control (revised), which includes provisions on migration counselling to prevent human trafficking when individuals cross borders, she noted, highlighting the close coordination among authorised agencies in dealing with issues related to migration and supporting migrants.
Deputy Director Giang also underscored that Vietnam has closely collaborated with countries and international partners to create a global network that ensures legal and safe migration while combating irregular migration. In particular, the country has been implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) seriously and effectively, she added.
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| The event received valuable recommendations from young participants, who shared effective strategies on how to incorporate youth voices in the Government's safe migration plans. (Photo: Thu Trang) |
The talk show also featured remarkable individuals such as Huynh Nhu, a trailblazer who led the Vietnam Women's National Football team to the World Cup 2023 and became the first female player from Vietnam to sign a contract with a foreign football club. Another notable panelist was Hao Tran, who made the extraordinary decision to leave his promising career in the United States to return to Vietnam and reconnect with his roots. Additionally, the event also heard the inspiring story of a popular content creator and young mother who migrated to Canada, found her voice through social media and now inspires thousands of young people while bridging Canadian and Vietnamese cultures.
Notably, the event received valuable recommendations from young participants, who shared effective strategies on how to incorporate youth voices in the Government's safe migration plans.
