Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – June 2025 —
The Regional Director for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Iori Kato, has made his first official visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), reaffirming IOM’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the country and supporting national development priorities through migration-responsive programming.
During his engagements with the United Nations Country Team, government counterparts, and local stakeholders, Mr. Kato underscored IOM’s support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024–2028. He emphasized that effective migration management and human mobility must remain central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Papua New Guinea.
Strategic Objectives of IOM in PNG
IOM’s work in PNG is guided by three core strategic pillars:
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Saving Lives and Protecting People on the Move
IOM continues to play a vital role in humanitarian response, particularly in supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by tribal conflict, natural disasters, and climate-induced displacement. Activities include emergency shelter support, disaster risk reduction training, and climate adaptation measures for vulnerable communities. -
Driving Durable Solutions to Displacement
IOM works closely with national and provincial authorities to address the root causes of displacement. This includes strengthening social cohesion, supporting post-conflict recovery efforts, and enhancing community resilience in areas prone to displacement. Projects under this objective aim to provide lasting solutions for displaced populations and reduce the risk of repeated displacement. -
Facilitating Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration
In line with PNG’s labour mobility ambitions, IOM supports initiatives to expand access to regulated labour migration schemes, while also working to improve border management systems. The organization assists with capacity-building for frontline officers and provides technical support for immigration policy reforms.
Supporting the Climate-Mobility Nexus
As co-chair of UNSDCF Outcome Group 5 on Environment and Climate Change, IOM is also actively contributing to the government’s efforts to address the intersection of climate change, mobility, and sustainable development. This includes supporting communities vulnerable to rising sea levels, landslides, and environmental degradation through tailored mobility-sensitive resilience programming.
Strengthening Local and Regional Partnerships
Mr. Kato’s visit included meetings with the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs, National Disaster Centre, and key development partners. Discussions centered on enhancing coordination for disaster preparedness, supporting community-based early warning systems, and ensuring that displaced populations—especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities—receive adequate protection and assistance.
In addition, IOM reaffirmed its intention to continue working alongside other UN agencies to ensure an integrated response to the country’s complex development and humanitarian challenges.
Looking Ahead
IOM’s growing portfolio in Papua New Guinea reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the country’s efforts in building safe, inclusive, and resilient communities. The visit by Regional Director Iori Kato signals strengthened cooperation and renewed momentum in addressing displacement, migration, and climate-related vulnerabilities through a whole-of-society approach.
IOM has maintained a presence in PNG since 2001 and continues to implement programs across several provinces, including conflict-affected areas in the Highlands and disaster-prone coastal regions.