The Vienna Migration Conference

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 among 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 finding 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 space 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

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.

Over the past seven editions, the VMC has attracted ministers, leading experts and practitioners from governments across the EU, Turkey, Western Balkans, Africa and Asia, as well as top figures from international and non-governmental organisations, academia, media, civil society and the private sector.

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.