Addis Ababa, December 18, 2025 (FMC) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries and communities to strengthen safe, orderly, and dignified migration on the occasion of International Migrants Day 2025.
In his message, Secretary-General Guterres described migration as a powerful driver of progress, noting that it lifts economies, connects cultures, and benefits both countries of origin and destination.
He warned, however, that poorly governed or misrepresented migration fuels division and endangers lives, particularly those of women and children, who remain among the most vulnerable.
The UN chief highlighted that since 2014, nearly 70,000 migrants have died or gone missing along land and sea routes, with the true number likely much higher. He stressed that tightening borders, as well as the growth of smugglers and traffickers, exacerbate these risks.
Secretary-General Guterres also underscored the importance of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted seven years ago to maximize the benefits of migration while managing its challenges.
He urged countries to harness migration’s potential to advance sustainable development and build resilient societies.
“This starts with challenging narratives that dehumanize migrants and replacing them with stories of solidarity,” he said.
International Migrants Day 2025, celebrated worldwide under the theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” emphasizes the positive contributions of migration to societies, economies, and global development.
The day also draws attention to the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs, including conflicts, climate-related disasters, and economic pressures that drive millions to seek safety or opportunity.
The UN notes that well-managed migration strengthens resilience, fuels prosperity, supports social cohesion, and enables migrants to provide for families and communities while contributing to broader development.
On this occasion, Secretary-General Guterres called for a renewed commitment to making migration dignified, safe, and beneficial for all, highlighting that every migrant’s journey is part of a shared global story of resilience, solidarity, and progress.