Events

The Creating a Brain Trust on Leadership in Migration: A Call to Action symposium, held May 8–9, 2025 at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, convened a select group of policymakers, scholars, practitioners, business leaders, and philanthropists to respond to the increasingly polarized and restrictive global migration environment. The symposium marked a critical moment for rethinking migration leadership amid shifting political norms. 

Over two days, participants examined the meaning and practice of leadership in migration, assessed gaps in existing approaches, and worked to develop a shared conceptual framework for migration leadership rooted in coalition-building, strategic action, and inclusive values. Discussions focused on identifying the skills and capacities needed to train current and future leaders, proposing a research and operational agenda, and laying the groundwork for an ongoing Leadership in Migration Brain Trust. The symposium served as a launch point for sustained collaboration, guiding LMI’s future research, convening, and leadership development efforts. 

As part of the Climate Mobility Summit held during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2024, the Leadership in Migration Initiative (LMI) hosted a featured session in New York highlighting its research on migration leadership. The event presented LMI’s findings on “Leadership Moments,” showcased real-world case studies, and publicly recognized examples of exceptional political leadership advancing migration solutions. Hosted by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility at Scandinavia House, the session convened global policymakers and practitioners for dialogue at the intersection of climate change, mobility, and leadership, followed by a high-level networking reception. 

The event featured the IOM Director General, Amy Pope and UNHCR High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi and Ambassador Julieta Valls Noyes, Assistant Secretary, BPRM, US Department of State.