World: IOM and Norway Strengthen Cooperation to Address Migration Challenges

Countries: World, Norway Source: International Organization for Migration Geneva, 29 April 2026 – As global displacement rises and migration routes grow increasingly dangerous, the Government of Norway and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) met today for high-level strategic discussions to strengthen cooperation and scale up practical responses for people on the move. Across regions, migration dynamics are becoming more complex, driven by crises, instability, and economic reasons, while more people are taking dangerous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. The need for coordinated, practical responses is becoming more urgent. The meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of ongoing collaboration and to exchange views on priorities for the period ahead, building on the long-standing partnership between Norway and IOM, with a focus on delivering concrete results that protect lives, support States, and respond to needs on the ground. The meeting was co-chaired by Kim Eling, IOM’s Senior Director for Strategy and External Engagement, and Svein Michelsen, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across key areas, including humanitarian response, organizational reforms, migration policies and practices, the route-based approach, and ways to ensure long-term impact for migrants and displaced people. “At a time when migration challenges are becoming more complex and more urgent, strong partnerships are essential, ” said Kim Eling, IOM’s Senior Director for Strategy and External Engagement. “Norway’s engagement continues to advance rights-based and evidence-driven approaches across regions. We particularly value their role in promoting collective, multilateral solutions to shared migration priorities. ” Svein Michelsen, representing the Government of Norway, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and to working with IOM to address current and emerging migration challenges. “Norway remains committed to working with partners to advance migration responses rooted in human rights, protection and dignity – strengthened through international cooperation and focused on real, positive outcomes for people and communities, ” he said. Through these discussions, IOM and the Government of Norway underscored the importance of translating global commitments into practical, people-centred action, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected contexts. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to continuing close collaboration to respond to evolving migration and displacement dynamics, strengthen protection, and deliver sustainable outcomes for migrants, displaced people, and host communities worldwide. Note for Editors Norway is a long-standing partner of IOM, supporting humanitarian response, migration governance and results for migrants and displaced people worldwide. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to responsibility, solidarity, and international cooperation, and to ensuring that migration is addressed in a safe, orderly and humane manner. For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre.

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