Seoul – Building upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) officially launched the “Empowering Livelihoods and Economic Vitality in Fragile and Conflict Zones (ELEVATE)” project on 8 October 2024. The multi-country project aims to address the pressing needs of vulnerable communities across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, where conflicts and fragility have led to significant socio-economic challenges.   

In recent years, conflicts across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia have exacerbated due to various factors, including intensified community-based conflicts, lingering effects of COVID-19, the global economic crisis and climate change. As a result, more vulnerable people have fled their home countries in search of safety, stability and better lives. 

In response to this situation, the ELEVATE project seeks not only to alleviate the immediate hardships of marginalized populations but also to build long-term economic resilience, mitigating the drivers of migration while promoting peace in Kenya, Guinea, Somalia, Lebanon and Armenia. With KOICA's financial support of USD 23 million over three years, the project will include in-kind contributions, capacity-building initiatives and targeted development interventions designed to strengthen community resilience, enhance local livelihoods and improve overall socio-economic conditions.   

Through these training sessions and resources, IOM and KOICA empower communities not only to rebuild their livelihoods but also to contribute to the broader goal of peacebuilding. Over 35,000 vulnerable individuals, including women, youth, individuals with disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are expected to benefit from improved social integration between IDPs and host communities.   

The collaborative approach ensures that the project will address the complex interlinkages between economic empowerment and conflict resolution, laying the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous future in these vulnerable regions. 

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For more information, please contact: 

Dalhea PARK, IOM Republic of Korea Mission, Tel.: +82 70 4820 2647, Email: dapark@iom.int.