Dakar to Host the First Forum of Regions on Migration Processes
At a meeting held on April 4 in Seville, within the framework of the 6th Local Economic Development Forum, the president of ORU Fogar, Rachid El Abdi, and Ahmet Youssouph Bengeloune, president of the ADS (Association of Senegalese Departments), an entity that brings together the councils of the country’s 14 departments, agreed that Dakar will host the First Forum of Regions on Migration Processes, scheduled for December 1, 2 and 3, 2025.
Under the motto “Investing in roots, transforming the future,” the forum will address migration from a territorial perspective, recognizing regional governments as key actors in designing sustainable responses. In contrast to simplistic narratives, the event will aim to advocate for structural solutions based on territorial development, human rights, and human dignity.
The participation of regional government representatives from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and other continents is expected, alongside experts, international organizations, and civil society. It will be an opportunity to share experiences, analyze the root causes of migration —such as climate change, inequality or conflict— and debate public policies that generate opportunities in the territories of origin, especially for youth.
ORU Fogar returns to Dakar, a city that in January 2010 hosted its first World Summit of Regions on Food Security. This new event marks the organization’s return to the territory where a working group was launched to promote a territorial food and nutrition plan. If the “Zero Hunger” Summit has since had a long journey and was held in four other locations across the globe, ORU Fogar hopes that this first Forum will be the beginning of many more focused on migration processes.
In parallel with the Forum, ORU Fogar’s General Assembly and Executive Bureau meeting will also be held, reinforcing the institutional nature of the event and promoting a shared agenda for territorial development and humanitarian migration management.
