Murdoch University has proudly collaborated with the Asian Research Centre for Migration (Centre of Excellence on Migration and Development) at Chulalongkorn University, IOM, ILO, UN Women, and others for International Migrants Day 2024.

Held in Bangkok, Thailand, at Chulalongkorn University, the two-day International Migrants Day conference theme 'Connectivity: Navigating Shared Responsibilities under Growing Complexities' gathered researchers, policymakers, practitioners and multinational institutions working within the Asia Pacific.  

The conference’s final day fell on International Migrants Day, December 18, a day that the United Nations describes as a day to “reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.”

“On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights," UN Secretary General António Guterres said.

The IMD Conference has been running since the 1990s and this year also commemorates the 50^thAnniversary of the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, exploring connectivity and migration through presentations on Climate Change, Urban Ecology, Children and Youth experiences of Migration, Aging and Migration, Displacement and Conflict and Digital Futures.

The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences contributed financially towards this year’s conference - and Murdoch University's Dr Pyone Myat Thu, Lecturer in Sustainability, Aid and International Development, is co-convenor of IMD 2024. 

Dr Pyone Myat Thu said the conference was unique in that it brings together diverse actors working in the fields of migration and mobilities into the conversation.

"We also get to hear from UN agencies, such as the IOM and ILO, which are doing important work to improve the lives of migrants.”

The Keynote of IMD 2024, Michiko Ito, Deputy Head of Operations in IOM Thailand shared the importance of commemorating International Migrants Day.

"Migration should not be seen as a crisis, but as an opportunity," Ms Ito said.

"If well managed, it is an adaptation strategy that can drive resilience and development. We need to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of migrants remain at the heart of policy discussions and decisions as we address the intersection of climate change and migration."

Murdoch University celebrates International Migrants Day and reflects on the profound positive impact migrating students and staff have on the University community.

Through our global, tri-national campuses in Australia, United Arab Emirates and Singapore and our academic staff, students and visiting researchers, we are committed to supporting migrant communities and building thriving, multicultural networks.