Berlin/Geneva, 16 October - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Federal Republic of Germany proudly mark 70 years of partnership in supporting safe, orderly and regular migration.  

Since the opening of the IOM office in Germany in 1954, this collaboration has been critical to addressing migration challenges globally while fostering positive change for both migrants and communities alike.  

IOM leadership and Federal Government representatives met today in Geneva for an annual strategic dialogue and emphasized the importance of their ongoing cooperation. 

Reflecting on this shared history, IOM Director-General Amy Pope, emphasized the importance of the enduring partnership: “Germany has been a key partner of IOM over the past 70 years. Our partnership continues to be an exemplary model of how migration, when well-managed, can benefit all. With continued support from the government of Germany, IOM will continue to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacement and facilitate pathways for safe, orderly and regular migration.” 

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser: "Many challenges in migration policy can only be solved internationally. International organizations such as IOM play a crucial role here. That is why Germany has been working closely with IOM for many years. The current IOM Council Chair, the German ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Katharina Stasch, is a testament to Germany's commitment. I would like to thank the IOM for the good and trusting cooperation, for example in the area of resettlement and humanitarian admissions, as well as in the area of voluntary return and reintegration." 

Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN and other international organizations, Chair of the IOM Council Bureau Dr. Katharina Stasch: "Germany is proud to have been an engaged partner of the International Organization for Migration for 70 years. In my role as Chair of the IOM Council Bureau, I have focused particularly on issues of climate, empowering women and girls, and fostering closer collaboration between UN organizations. Germany is not only one of IOM’s largest financial partners but is also deeply involved in substantive contributions. As a major host and donor country, we are in a unique position to build bridges and contribute to solving global challenges." 

To mark this landmark occasion, IOM Germany organized a commemorative photo exhibition in Geneva, showcasing seven decades of impactful work and collaboration. Through a series of captivating images, the exhibition brings to life the shared history between IOM and Germany, while also emphasizing the ongoing importance of humanitarian work in addressing today’s migration challenges.  

The photographs featured in the exhibition are available online. 

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Notes to editors: 

IOM has been operating in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1954 under an agreement with the Federal Government, supporting and ensuring safe, orderly and regular migration. Today, IOM Germany continues to serve people on the move and support migrants in key areas such as protection, psychosocial support, counselling, return and reintegration, resettlement and humanitarian admission, family reunification, labour mobility and social inclusion, and crisis response. The Berlin office is also the liaison office to the Federal Government of Germany for international cooperation and IOM projects around the globe in the fields of humanitarian aid, crisis prevention, stabilization, peacebuilding and development.  

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For media inquiries, please contact: 

IOM: Srdjan Tošić, stosic@iom.int, media-de@iom.int 

Permanent Representative of Germany to the UN and other international organizations: Franziska Lang, pr-1-io@genf.auswaertiges-amt.de