National Policy Dialogue Organized by HoAREC&N Calls for a Policy Action to Address Youth Migration

ADDIS ABABA, September 04, 2026 (HoAREC&N) – A National Policy Dialogue, organized by the Horn of Africa Regional Environment Center and Network (HoAREC&N) on Youth and Migration: Environment, Climate Change, Conflict, and the Youth Mobility Nexus, has called for a coordinated policy action that can help accelerate efforts to address youth migration in Ethiopia.   

The Policy Dialogue, held in the premises of HoAREC&N Head Quarter, brought together policy experts, academicians, researchers, representatives of local and international NGOs, embassies, civil societies, higher learning institutes and governmental relevant sectors across the country to discuss youth and migration, challenges related to environmental and climate change, conflict and national realities that shape migration and mobility.

Presentations, by renowned professors and other resource persons from a wide range of fields, highlighted how environmental pressures, climate shocks and socio-economic challenges can affect young people’s decisions on taking the risks associated with migration. Apart from assessing challenges that affect the young people and human mobility in Ethiopia, and deliberating on possible solutions, the discussion further emphasized the role of migration as an opportunity for education, employment and personal development.

Participants also exchanged knowledge on youth mobility and education, the importance of inclusive policy making, and the need to ensure that voices of young people are reflected in policies in a bid to deal with migration, climate change and conflict.

The two-day discussion, attended by over 50 participants, was concluded with plenary reflections and summary of key insights, and points of agreement emphasizing the need for coordinated, evidence-based and youth-inclusive policy recommendations regarding the complex links of migration, mobility, climate and conflict in Ethiopia.

In both his opening and closing remarks, Professor Mekuria Argaw, Executive Director of HoAREC&N, commended the participants for their invaluable contributions and active participation throughout the discussions during the national policy dialogue.

The national policy dialogue, initiated by MECMEA Project (Managing the Impacts of Environmental Change and Conflict on Mobility in Eastern Africa), was financed by the European Union, contracted through the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and implemented by regional consortium led by HoAREC&N.