News 18 June 2026 IOM Chief Urges Action for Small Island States at Climate Mobility Forum

Berlin, 18 June 2026 - For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the climate crisis is already reshaping lives, livelihoods and futures. Speaking after meetings with SIDS representatives at the Climate Mobility Forum, Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), today reaffirmed IOM's commitment to advancing practical, people-centred solutions to address climate impacts, including displacement.

Small Island Developing States are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Despite contributing less than one per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, they face some of its most serious consequences, including rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increasing risks of displacement.

"Climate mobility is no longer a future challenge; it is a present reality. The international community must move beyond recognizing the problem and invest in solutions that protect people, strengthen resilience, adaptation and expand pathways for safe mobility" said Director General Amy Pope. "IOM is working with governments and communities to ensure that people can stay safely or return, move with dignity where necessary, and access solutions before, during and after climate impacts."

During her discussions at the Forum in Berlin, Director General Pope underscored the importance of strong partnerships to translate global commitments into concrete action. She welcomed the leadership of Small Island Developing States in shaping regional and global approaches to human mobility in the context of climate change.

Human mobility has long been part of life in Small Island Developing States. When supported by the right policies and opportunities, it can strengthen resilience, support livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.

Against this backdrop, IOM also highlighted the urgent need for climate finance that is faster, more accessible, and better adapted to the specific circumstances of Small Island Developing States. Financing mechanisms must better reflect the realities of small island states, including their access to climate funding despite facing disproportionate climate risks. Current levels of funding for adaptation remain well below what is required, while the costs associated with climate impacts and related mobility pressures continue to rise.

IOM works closely with governments and partners across all 39 Small Island Developing States, drawing on experience from more than 300 climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and migration governance programmes across SIDS since 2020. In the Pacific, IOM and partners are supporting governments to implement the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, including through a new NZD 17.8 million programme that helps address climate-related migration, displacement and planned relocation in ways that protect human security, uphold rights and strengthen regional cooperation. IOM continues to support governments in turning climate commitments into practical investment solutions.

As climate pressures intensify, IOM reiterated its commitment to working with Small Island Developing States to move from reactive responses toward forward-looking, rights-based approaches that protect dignity and expand people's choices in the context of climate change - including through stronger financing, practical partnerships, and safe, orderly and regular mobility pathways.

For millions living in vulnerable island communities, the goal is not simply to respond to climate impacts, but to ensure people retain the ability to choose their future with dignity, safety and opportunity.

For more information, please visit IOM's Media Centre.