The Institute's Programme for the Study of Global Migration becomes the Global Migration Centre.
Why change from a programme to a centre?
The creation of the Global Migration Centre (GMC) is the result of an increased density of expertise at the Graduate Institute in a field that is plagued by recurrent misunderstandings and political maneuverings, especially in Europe, and more than ever needs an independent and objective approach.
With increased expertise, a new structure and a targeted research agenda, the GMC will produce cutting edge research and policy-relevant analysis on the multifaceted causes and consequences of global migration. The GMC aims to become a productive interface between academia and the international community, as well as a hub for researchers, students and policy-makers.
What upcoming activities will the Centre undertake?
We foresee many activities on different fronts. First of all, new research projects will be launched around three thematic priorities: development, governance, and the rule of law – representing the core of our expertise. Transversal studies will also be developed on many other facets such as gender, war refugees and diasporas.
The GMC will also act as a forum for academics and practitioners through policy research and events. For instance Global Migration Seminars will be organised for experts from governments, international organisations and NGOs to share their experience.
Training activities will also be further developed and the GMC will continue to support our students through awards, internships, assistant positions and publication opportunities.
What is the importance of the Centre’s location in Geneva?
Geneva is the world capital of global migration. The city hosts the most important international organisations, especially the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Many other Geneva-based organisations are also involved in the field of migration, notably the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNICEF.
Reinforcing migration studies at the Graduate Institute is thus crucial for deepening our interaction with Genève internationale. Besides its location, the major distinctive assets of the GMC are its interdisciplinary orientation, a focus on the transnational dimensions of migration and an innovative research approach.
Find out more about the Global Migration Centre, Vincent Chetail and research at the Graduate Institute.
Photo above: Iraq / Syrian refugees /Hundreds of Syrian refugees cross into Iraq at the Peshkhabour border crossing in Dohuk Governorate on August 17, 2013. / UNHCR / G. Gubaeva