As world leaders gather in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urging global attention to the millions of people already facing the devastating consequences of climate change. From floods and droughts to other recurring disasters, IOM emphasizes that communities at the frontline deserve opportunities to stay safe, recover, and plan for a sustainable future.
IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, highlighted the organization’s commitment to finding practical, people-centered solutions that protect lives and strengthen resilience. She noted that while every community deserves a chance to adapt, many are already experiencing impacts too severe to remain in their homes. When staying becomes impossible, people must have safe and dignified options to move.
In 2024 alone, disasters displaced 45 million people internally and caused economic losses exceeding USD 240 billion. Behind these numbers are countless individuals whose homes, schools, and livelihoods have been destroyed. IOM works closely with governments and local partners to help affected communities rebuild and prepare for future climate shocks, ensuring recovery efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
COP30, hosted in the Amazon for the first time, underscores the leadership of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and those most affected by the climate crisis. IOM stresses that the decisions made at this conference must prioritize protecting human rights and strengthening people’s ability to adapt to changing environmental realities.
A major focus of COP30 will be the adoption of the Global Goal on Adaptation, which aims to safeguard communities through improved early warning systems, resilient livelihoods, and safer housing—key factors in preventing climate-induced displacement. These objectives align with IOM’s mission; in 2024, the organization helped over 875,000 people recover from disasters and supported more than 100,000 communities facing environmental degradation and shocks.
The conference will also advance the Just Transition Work Programme, which ensures that the global shift to clean energy supports workers and communities through decent jobs, social protection, and safe migration pathways. Additionally, the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage will provide vulnerable communities with resources to rebuild their lives with dignity after climate-related destruction.
Through its engagement at COP30, IOM remains focused on one central goal: ensuring that people on the frontlines of the climate crisis are not left behind. The organization will participate in high-level discussions and co-host several events highlighting inclusive, community-driven climate action and human mobility solutions throughout the conference.
