AMO Showcases How Sport Can Advance Social Inclusion and Migration Governance at a High-Level Side Event

                                                                                Date:  26 September, 2025

Venue: New York, USA   

UNGA 80: AMO Showcases How Sport Can Advance Social Inclusion and Migration Governance at a High-Level Side Event

The African Migration Observatory (AMO) took part in a High-Level Side Event titled “Sport as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Migration Governance” held on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York. The event, co-organised by the Kingdom of Morocco and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), explored how sport can serve as a powerful catalyst for social inclusion and strengthened cooperation in migration governance.

Ambassador Namira Negm, Director of the African Migration Observatory, delivered a keynote address emphasising the critical nexus between sport, inclusion, and effective migration governance. She underscored that for sport to serve as a truly effective instrument of inclusion, it must operate on a “level playing field” founded on sound, dignified, and evidence-based migration policies.

In her remarks, Ambassador Negm explained that AMO’s work intersects with sport in several important ways. She noted that it challenges negative narratives about migration through data-driven insights that highlight the positive contributions of migrants, while also translating universal sporting values such as teamwork, fairness, and respect into actionable migration policies. Moreover, she emphasised that AMO promotes multi-stakeholder partnership what she termed “the team sport” of migration governance by fostering collaboration among governments, organisations, and communities to develop inclusive and sustainable migration strategies.

She further highlighted that approximately 80% of African migration occurs within the continent, reinforcing the importance of accurate and reliable data in shaping effective migration policies. As the international community looks ahead to the 2026 International Migration Review Forum, Ambassador Negm noted that the insights and commitments arising from this dialogue will be instrumental in shaping the future of global migration governance.

H.E. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, described sport as a strategic lens through which migration can be viewed as an opportunity for development, where “the migrant is a teammate defined by talent and character.”

H.E. Amy Pope, Director General of the IOM, commended Morocco’s humane and forward-looking approach to migration governance. She highlighted sport as a “universal language” that bridges divides, combats stigma, and fosters a sense of belonging for migrants and host communities alike.

UN Under-Secretary-General Mr. Li Junhua reaffirmed the importance of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in advancing inclusive societies. He stressed that community-based sports programmes are vital tools in promoting understanding and social cohesion between migrants and host populations.

For further media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communications Directorate, AUC, and Communication Adviser of the Permanent Observer Mission of the AU to the UN | E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)

2. Sehenemariam Hailu, African Migration Observatory I E-mail: SehenemariamH@africaunion.org

African Migration Observatory (AMO) I African Union Commission I E-mail: AMO@africa-union.org

 I Web: www.amo.au.int | Rabat/Morocco | Follow Us: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission

I E-mail: yamboue@africanunion.orgI Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube