Italy Hosts International Conference on Development and Migration, Addresses Irregular Migration Flows
Rome, Italy - An international conference involving Mediterranean and Middle East states is set to take place in Rome on Sunday, aimed at tackling the root causes of "irregular migration flows." The conference, titled "International Conference on Development and Migration," seeks to establish effective governance of the migration phenomenon, combat human trafficking, and foster economic development through enhanced collaboration between participating nations.
In a statement issued by the Italian government, the conference is a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by irregular migration and aims to promote a new model of cooperation among the states involved. The initiative for the conference came from Italy's Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, who had pledged during her 2022 election campaign to take measures to halt the disembarkation of migrants in the country.
The International Conference on Development and Migration is kicking off in Rome.
— Palazzo_Chigi (@Palazzo_Chigi) July 23, 2023
Watch the leaders arrive at @ItalyMFA_int and the welcome ceremony with President of the Council of Ministers @GiorgiaMeloni live: https://t.co/exyM1zrSM0
The list of participants attending the conference has not been fully disclosed, but Tunisian President Kais Saied has been confirmed to be in attendance, demonstrating Tunisia's commitment to engaging in discussions on this pressing issue. Additionally, the prime ministers of Egypt and Malta are among the confirmed participants, highlighting the regional importance of the conference.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as countries in the Mediterranean and the Middle East continue to grapple with the challenges of irregular migration and human trafficking. By fostering cooperation and dialogue, the participating nations aim to develop effective strategies to tackle the root causes of migration and facilitate economic development in the region.
The conference is expected to produce agreements and action plans aimed at mitigating the dangers and uncertainties faced by migrants on perilous journeys, as well as promoting sustainable economic growth that could deter individuals from embarking on hazardous migration routes.
The issue of irregular migration has been a topic of concern for countries in the Mediterranean region, with Italy bearing a significant burden of migrant arrivals in recent years. With this conference, Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's government aims to take proactive measures to address the situation and collaborate with neighboring countries to find viable solutions.
As leaders from different nations gather in Rome, hopes are high that the International Conference on Development and Migration will pave the way for enhanced cooperation, regional stability, and a more humane approach to addressing the complexities of irregular migration in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.