UN Migration Agency Secures Significant Funding Amid Global Election Challenges

Amy Pope, head of the UN migration agency, announces significant new funding and a broadened donor base. She emphasizes a comprehensive approach to migration, warns against oversimplifying the issue, and highlights the challenges posed by global elections to support for UN institutions. The agency's first global appeal sees promising initial funding.

Amy Pope, the head of the UN migration agency, announced Thursday that the organization has secured hundreds of millions in new funding and diversified its donor base. This comes at a time when other UN groups face funding struggles due to worldwide elections raising concerns about future support.

Backed by former US President Joe Biden, Pope highlighted a holistic approach to migration. 'This is about a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to migration,' she stated, warning against simplifying the issue to border management, which she believes leads to negative consequences.

Under her leadership, IOM launched its first-ever global appeal in January, aiming for nearly USD 8 billion to prepare for migration flows. While over a third of the appeal has been funded, other UN organizations face shortfalls. Pope stressed the benefits migrants bring and the importance of diverse donors amid uncertain political landscapes.

(With inputs from agencies.)