"Migration Unpacked" Podcast

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Germany has launched a limited series podcast "Migration Unpacked" in celebration of International Migrants Day. Over three episodes, we explore the main trends, impacts, and benefits of migration, featuring insights from IOM experts and migration professionals based in Germany. Our discussion revolves around the central question – why do people migrate? We examine this through the lens of three main drivers of migration: conflict, climate, and the search for better employment opportunities (labour migration).

Stream our podcast here or listen to it on your favourite platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, Deezer.

Episodes

Episode 1 Conflict and Migration: Breaking Myths and Building Solutions

In our first episode, we will cover conflict-related migration, a form of forced migration where those impacted by war or violence must leave their home region for their safety. With 62.5 million people being internally displaced by conflict and violence by the end of 2022, and with 35.3 million refugees globally (World Migration Report, 2024), conflict remains one of the key reasons behind movement of people.

In our discussion, Dr Marie McAuliffe, Head of Migration Research & Publications at IOM and the editor of IOM’s flagship World Migration Report, provides expert insights into the history and key drivers of conflict-related migration. Dr Anne Koch, researcher and policy analyst from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs discusses the short and long-term challenges posed by migratory movements and how we can address them in Germany. In this episode, we also look at the misconceptions surrounding migration and the importance of developing gender-responsive policies to ensure that no one is left behind.

Episode 2 From Data to Action: Addressing Climate Migration Challenges

In the second episode, the podcast shifts its focus to climate migration, a form of environmental migration in which people leave their homes because of climate-related environmental changes.

Dr Andrea Milan, who at the time of our interview was Head of the Mobility Data Lab at IOM's Global Data Institute, discusses the importance of data in understanding global migration patterns in the context of climate change. We also learn about the key activities of the Global Data Institute and its contribution to providing data insights to policymakers and practitioners in the field of migration.

Dr Kira Vinke, Head of the Centre for Climate and Foreign Policy at the German Council on Foreign Relations, explains how climate change will affect migration patterns and the EU's environmental agenda, and the challenges people face when migrating due to climate change..

Episode 3 The Challenges and Benefits of Labour Migration

In our final episode, we look at labour migration, where individuals migrate in search of work opportunities. Work is one of the main motivations for international migration, whether driven by economic inequalities or simply the search for new job opportunities, or both. Labour migration has taken place throughout human history, and in this episode, we look specifically at the challenges people face when migrating for work, and what can be done to better integrate them into their new communities and labour markets.  

We hear from Elizabeth Warn, Head of the Labour Mobility Division at IOM, about the benefits of labour mobility, the risks of labour exploitation, and the importance of ethical recruitment.  

The episode also features insights from Wenke Christoph, Chief Executive Officer and Anne Parsons, Chief Partnerships Officer of Kiron Open Higher Education, who discuss the challenges migrants face in Germany and the initiatives aimed at supporting their integration and upskilling. 

Our speakers also shed light on the economic contributions migrants make to the development of their countries of origin and host countries.  

Safe, orderly and regular migration pathways

Throughout the podcast series, we discuss the importance of creating durable solutions for migrants by establishing and strengthening regular migration pathways. These pathways are essential to ensure safe and orderly migration and provide safe alternatives to dangerous journeys, allowing migrants to work and live in new countries. We can also better protect their rights and contribute to the economic development of the countries from which they come and those that receive them.

Trailer and YouTube

Listen to "Migration Unpacked" Podcast