Kathmandu, Nepal - The international Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nepal, jointly with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Population Studies (CDPS) and the National Planning Commission, conducts from 12-25 February the second edition of the Migration School. Recognising the need to have a holistic approach to migration, the module is inspired by the successful first edition that saw students graduating in September 2023, bringing the academic world and practitioners together. 

Nepal is going through a momentous demographic shift, as both internal and international migration are on the rise. To leverage the potential of human mobility for the country’s development and address the complex challenges deriving from migration, a comprehensive understanding of it is needed. The Migration School is a two-week course featuring lectures and interactive sessions with global and national experts, along with those from IOM. The course's latest edition offered classes and insightful presentations on the World Migration Report, structured to provide participants from the academia, media outlets, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Government with well-rounded understanding of migration and the crucial tools to manage it in a sound manner. Notably, the Migration School also offers grants to the most innovative research proposals delivered throughout the learning.  

As the students (38 total, 42% were women) gathered for the programme launch, they shared their expectations on the different courses. A member of a national media outlet indicated that he was eager to get to know more about global prospects on migration. “I am particularly keen on learning about the link between irregular migration and human trafficking, as well as on the connection between displacement and climate change.” Meanwhile, other attendees shared how they hoped that the Migration School would equip them with the pertinent knowledge to address a wide range of migration topics, ranging from migration management and its implications to the youth to how livelihoods are impacted by human mobility.  

Speaking at the opening session, IOM Nepal Chief of Mission, Helene Fors, stressed that “As the world is navigating the complexities and opportunities inherent in migration, it becomes increasingly important to foster understanding, dialogue and informed actions. The Migration School serves as a source of knowledge and exchange, offering rich insights, experiences and perspectives.” 

Attending the programme launch, Dr Lok Nath Bhusal from the National Planning Commission stated that “Nepal is going through a high tide of migration, and 57% of Nepalese are directly or indirectly affected by such trend, which is becoming an essential part of the country’s economy and society.”  

On the other hand, Dr Yogendra Bahadur Gurung, Head of Department of CDPS, reckoned that “In order to properly understand migration, there is the need to address it at the policy and academic level, thus the Migration School perfectly fits in such a discourse.” 

Supported by IOM Development Fund, the Migration School is aligned with Nepal’s commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, making migration beneficial for all.

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For media inquiries please contact: Prajwal Sharma: psharma@iom.int