4th IGAD Scientific Conference on Migration, Displacement, and Urbanisation

Cities Alliance is partnering with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to organise the 4th IGAD Scientific Conference, from 19 to 21 May 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme: 'Migration, Displacement, and Urbanisation: Implications for Sustainable Development.'

The event will provide a platform for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners to explore the links between migration, displacement, and urbanisation, and their impact on sustainable development in the IGAD region. By promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, it aims to generate actionable recommendations to support evidence-based policymaking at both national and regional levels.

Urbanisation is rapidly transforming the IGAD region, with cities increasingly becoming primary destinations for migrants and displaced people. 

This shift is reshaping economies, communities, and governance systems, driving growth and connection, while also placing pressure on infrastructure and service delivery. Addressing these dynamics requires inclusive, long-term urban planning strategies that respond to both immediate humanitarian needs and future development goals.

The conference builds on the Sustainable Urban Integration of Displacement-Affected Communities (SUIDAC) programme, in particular its Regional Dialogue component, which promotes coordination and knowledge-sharing among partner cities across the region.

46 mayors from cities affected by displacement in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, including those from SUIDAC partner cities Koboko, Arua, Jigjiga, and Assosa, will attend the conference to engage with experts and national officials. This reflects a shared commitment to stronger coordination across all levels of government and to supporting cities in managing migration and displacement.

The three-day conference will feature policy sessions, scientific paper presentations, mayoral panels, and thematic dialogues structured around five key sub-themes:

• Drivers and root causes
• Urban governance and policy
• Socio-economic integration
• Financing, investment, and innovation
• Data and evidence for policy and planning

Cities Alliance will co-host two side events with members and partners (local time GMT+3 / CEST+1):

19 May / 11:30 -13:00. Policy Session – Setting the Scene: Dr Loren B. Landau, Professor of Migration and Development at the University of Oxford, representing Cities Alliance, will address key policy challenges and opportunities related to urbanisation, displacement, and migration in the IGAD region. He will be joined by the mayors of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Garissa and Turkana, Kenya.

20 May / 10:40 - 12:30. Urban Governance, Policy and Finance: Tsigereda Tafesse Mulugeta, Cities Alliance Coordinator for Ethiopia and Somalia, will speak on enhancing access to resources to promote productive capacities and self-reliance of migrants and displacement-affected communities, with a focus on urbanisation and social cohesion.

IGAD is a long-standing partner of Cities Alliance and sits on the Steering Committees of the CRRF: Inclusive Urban Development and Mobility Action - Regional Dialogue, and the SUIDAC programme, both funded by the European Union and implemented by Cities Alliance. It plays a key role in bringing local discussions on urban displacement to the ministerial level to help shape national and regional policies.

The two organisations collaborate to ensure local voices on urban displacement are included in broader policy and advocacy spaces. Cities Alliance is also part of the IGAD Scientific Working Group.

The Conference is co-organised with GIZ, the Government of Sweden, ReDSS, and the IGAD Universities Forum.