Migration experts, policy makers, statisticians, and data experts from around the world have gathered in Malmö, Sweden, for the Fourth International Forum on Migration Statistics (IFMS). The event runs from 16 to 18 June and focuses on improving the way migration data is collected and used.
This year, the Forum is looking closely at how migration affects men and women differently. It also explores new technology like Big Data and artificial intelligence to better track people moving from one country to another. Since 2014, more than 72,000 migrants have died or gone missing on their journeys, showing how important good data is.
“Every number in the data is a human life,” said Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “The IFMS helps experts work together so migration policies are based on facts and help save lives.”
A big topic this year is the new United Nations guidelines on migration statistics. For the first time, these rules clearly separate international migration from short-term movement between countries. This is an important step to make migration data clearer and easier to compare between countries.
During the three-day event, experts will talk about six main topics, including predicting migration trends and using data to create better policies. They will also discuss how good data can support safe and legal migration, and help fight false stories about migrants.
Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said the Forum is key to making sure people’s ideas about migration match the facts. She said it is important to show the positive effects of safe migration while warning about the risks of illegal movement.
The IFMS 2025 is organised by the OECD, together with IOM, the UN, Malmö University, and the Swedish government.
