The Vienna Migration Conference
Europe’s leading forum on migration
Our conference
Every autumn, ICMPD’s annual flagship event offers an indispensable opportunity to discuss unfolding geopolitical dynamics, global trends and the current EU migration agenda. It is the premier international platform for high-level discussions on migration in Europe and beyond, where debates put the spotlight firmly on the state of play in migration diplomacy and where real progress between key partners can be made.
Our mission
Today’s world is interconnected and constantly evolving, and so is international migration. Realities and perspectives are as dynamic as the flows and effects of migration. They differ not just among but also within countries and stakeholder groups. Making progress and find common ground in this ever-changing and divisive policy area requires a platform for a continuous, structured debate and open discourse. The Vienna Migration Conference (VMC) provides just that: a trusted space for frank exchanges, where decision-makers and practitioners discuss the latest developments and trends, and outline their visions for the road ahead – on stage, in side talks and through networking.
The VMC provides a platform for the exchange of a wide range of perspectives. In so doing, it sheds light on key migration-related opportunities and challenges – along routes to and within Europe, as well as for countries of origin and transit and other European partners.
Our outreach
For this prime occasion in ICMPD’s annual calendar, we make use of our global network to bring together decision-makers, thought leaders and frontrunners in the migration sphere to convene, connect and engage. We stream most of our debates online, which brings the VMC to the doorsteps of the wider migration community and ensures the broadest possible outreach. The conference is covered by international and local media and we share the highlights and analysis of the debates through social media, interviews and a conference report.
„Once a year, the Vienna Migration Conference provides a premium platform for people, who take decisions on human mobility every day, to meet. To take stock and look at the big picture. Doing this has never been more important than in 2021.“
Michael Spindelegger, Director General, ICMPD
“ICMPD’s role is neither to over-simplify nor over-complicate the migration issue. We want to understand clearly in order to progress. The Vienna Migration Conference 2021 will look at crises and challenges, but also at the many positive stories that offer hope for the future.”
Lukas Gehrke, Director Policy, Research & Strategy, Deputy Director General, ICMPD
Discover past editions
