he era of permanent involuntary migration has arrived. What were once episodic migration crises—Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine—have now become sustained, global phenomena. Displacement that might once have been temporary is increasingly permanent, driven by worsening conflicts, climate change, and geoeconomic instability. By mid–2023, over 108 million people were forcibly displaced globally, according to UNHCR, and climate–related migration alone could uproot 216 million more by 2050, warns the World Bank. These numbers signal a fundamental shift: We are no longer managing temporary waves of migration but grappling with the enduring realities of a world where many people will never return home.
At the core of this challenge lies a paradox: Permanent involuntary migration is often framed as a threat, one that overwhelms resources and polarizes societies. Yet it holds immense potential to strengthen economies, renew aging populations, and enrich host communities. The key to resolving this paradox is a whole–of–society approach, a framework that mobilizes every sector— governments, civil society, businesses, and local communities—toward the shared goal of integration and opportunity.
A whole–of–society approach is not merely collaborative; it recognizes that addressing migration’s complexities requires intersecting solutions. Governments can provide policy frameworks, but civil society must bridge social gaps, businesses must create economic opportunities, and communities must foster belonging. The strength of this model lies in its inclusivity. No single actor can shoulder the weight of permanent migration alone, and only through unified action can migration be managed effectively.
Germany demonstrates this approach in practice. During the 2015–2016 refugee crisis, the country welcomed over 1.2 million asylum seekers, many of whom faced permanent displacement. By aligning federal policies with local initiatives, such as vocational training, language programs, and job placement efforts, Germany turned migration into a pathway for mutual progress. Crucially, collaboration between federal agencies, businesses, and communities ensured that integration was not only efficient but sustainable. By 2020, nearly half of these refugees were employed.
Similarly, Canada’s Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) show how uniting municipalities, businesses, and civil society can transform permanent involuntary migration into an opportunity. Canada’s high immigrant population, 23% by 2022, has thrived due to frameworks addressing housing, language acquisition, and employment. These partnerships exemplify how a society–wide strategy can balance local needs with national objectives.
Permanent involuntary migration is not simply a humanitarian issue; it is a structural reality of the 21st century. It tests humanity’s capacity to cooperate, adapt, and thrive. A whole–of–society approach, rooted in inclusivity and shared purpose, offers the tools to turn this challenge into resilience. Migration, when embraced collectively, is not a crisis. It is an opportunity to redefine the strength of nations, not by their borders but by their humanity.
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Rethinking involuntary migration with a whole–of–society approach
February 17, 2025
Once episodic migration crises—like Syria and Afghanistan—have become a sustained, global phenomena, and displacement is increasingly permanent. Confronting this era of permanent involuntary migration requires a whole–of–society approach, writes Rui Duarte.
T
he era of permanent involuntary migration has arrived. What were once episodic migration crises—Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine—have now become sustained, global phenomena. Displacement that might once have been temporary is increasingly permanent, driven by worsening conflicts, climate change, and geoeconomic instability. By mid–2023, over 108 million people were forcibly displaced globally, according to UNHCR, and climate–related migration alone could uproot 216 million more by 2050, warns the World Bank. These numbers signal a fundamental shift: We are no longer managing temporary waves of migration but grappling with the enduring realities of a world where many people will never return home.
At the core of this challenge lies a paradox: Permanent involuntary migration is often framed as a threat, one that overwhelms resources and polarizes societies. Yet it holds immense potential to strengthen economies, renew aging populations, and enrich host communities. The key to resolving this paradox is a whole–of–society approach, a framework that mobilizes every sector— governments, civil society, businesses, and local communities—toward the shared goal of integration and opportunity.
A whole–of–society approach is not merely collaborative; it recognizes that addressing migration’s complexities requires intersecting solutions. Governments can provide policy frameworks, but civil society must bridge social gaps, businesses must create economic opportunities, and communities must foster belonging. The strength of this model lies in its inclusivity. No single actor can shoulder the weight of permanent migration alone, and only through unified action can migration be managed effectively.
Germany demonstrates this approach in practice. During the 2015–2016 refugee crisis, the country welcomed over 1.2 million asylum seekers, many of whom faced permanent displacement. By aligning federal policies with local initiatives, such as vocational training, language programs, and job placement efforts, Germany turned migration into a pathway for mutual progress. Crucially, collaboration between federal agencies, businesses, and communities ensured that integration was not only efficient but sustainable. By 2020, nearly half of these refugees were employed.
Similarly, Canada’s Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) show how uniting municipalities, businesses, and civil society can transform permanent involuntary migration into an opportunity. Canada’s high immigrant population, 23% by 2022, has thrived due to frameworks addressing housing, language acquisition, and employment. These partnerships exemplify how a society–wide strategy can balance local needs with national objectives.
Permanent involuntary migration is not simply a humanitarian issue; it is a structural reality of the 21st century. It tests humanity’s capacity to cooperate, adapt, and thrive. A whole–of–society approach, rooted in inclusivity and shared purpose, offers the tools to turn this challenge into resilience. Migration, when embraced collectively, is not a crisis. It is an opportunity to redefine the strength of nations, not by their borders but by their humanity.
