Iraq, Erbil – Countries in the MENA region are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, disasters and climate change,facing critical challenges such as water scarcity, irregular precipitation, floods and declining agricultural land. These issues are compounded by demographic pressures and high population densities, which threaten the fragile peace and stability and affect human mobility in the region.

IOM MENA gathered 32 young leaders from 12 MENA countries for a two-day Youth Forum on Migration and Climate Action in Erbil, Iraq. The forum, which took place on 30-31 July, focused on climate change and environmental-related impacts on human mobility in the region, uniting the youth’s voices on related advocacy efforts.

“Young people, who make up more than half of the MENA population, are at the forefront of these dynamics. They are often the most affected by socio-economic and environmental challenges. Therefore, overlooking their inclusion and involvement risks missing out on vital contributions to a sustainable and inclusive future for the region,” said Mr. Othman Belbeisi, IOM MENA Regional Director, addressing the forum.

IOM has been at the forefront of operational, research, policy, and advocacy efforts on migration, environment, and climate change, fostering youth engagement in its programming and policy discussions. Young people are not only among the most vulnerable to climate change-related impacts on mobility but are also key actors of proactive climate action and adaptation strategies.

The IOM MENA Youth Forum on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change, the first of its kind, aimed to foster dialogue, increase knowledge, and understand the interplay between migration, environment, and climate change. It provided a platform for young leaders to plan, coordinate, and take action to strengthen regional youth networks.

“We are in a climate emergency,” shared Islam Zrelli, the youth delegate from Tunisia, “and we need to prioritize climate justice, acknowledge climate migration and sustainable development before it's too late.”

The forum concluded with the development of key messages from the youth that aim to contribute to the Global Youth Statement at the Conference of Youth (COY19) and Conference of Parties (COP29), both scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November.

The youth forum was made possible thanks to the generous support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration and the Government of France.
 

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For more information, please contact:

Joe Lowry, Regional Communications & Media Officer, jlowry@iom.int
 

Note to Editors:

As the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration, the International Organization for Migration plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. Read more about IOM’s institutional strategy on migration, environment and climate change here and the UN Youth strategy here.