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Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships for Inclusive Approaches to Forced Displacement and Migration

SpeakerS:

Ishaan Tharoor, International Affairs Columnist, Washington Post
Basma Alawee, Deputy Executive Director, Advancement and Culture, Community Sponsorship Hub
Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner, UNHCR
Kate Brick, Executive Director, Refugee Advocacy Lab, Refugees International

“We have seen great innovative ways of expanding the refugee resettlement and welcoming work happening in the United States.” Basma Alawee
“Many businesses are now involved in these efforts, trying to use their own capabilities and those of their workforce to actually make a real difference in these areas.” Kelly Clements
“We have more than 300 cities that are part of this welcoming network, thinking intentionally and in many cases working directly with the business community.” Kate Brick

Key takeaways:

  • Record levels of forced displacement require support: Global forced displacement has reached over 120 million people, exacerbated by conflicts, inequalities, and climate change. Most of these displaced people remain within their own countries, emphasizing the need for local support systems. 
  • Local and state initiatives are crucial: Cities and states play a significant role in creating welcoming environments for refugees and immigrants. Over 300 cities are part of a welcoming network focused on reducing economic barriers and ensuring access to education and the workforce. 
  • Combating misinformation with fact-based narratives: Addressing misinformation is essential. Constructive, fact-based conversations can acknowledge public concerns and reduce social tensions. Recognizing and validating people’s frustrations can build bridges rather than barriers. 
  • Empowering refugee voices: Involving those with lived experiences in leading conversations increases public support. Awareness initiatives reveal that support for refugee resettlement jumps when individuals personally know a refugee, yet only 14% of people do.
  • Private sector engagement: Businesses are key partners in supporting refugees by offering employment opportunities and leveraging technology to improve service delivery. Strategic partnerships can enhance outreach and solutions. 
  • Cross-Sector collaboration is essential: Collaboration between public entities, private sector, and civil society is vital for developing inclusive and sustainable approaches to forced displacement and migration. 

Action items:

  • Strengthen local and state programs: Support and expand initiatives that create welcoming communities, focusing on policy-making that reduces economic barriers and enhances access to education and employment for refugees and immigrants. 
  • Implement fact-based communication strategies: Develop campaigns to address and correct misinformation, fostering constructive dialogues that acknowledge and address public concerns about refugees and immigrants. 
  • Elevate refugee leadership: Create platforms for refugees to share their stories and lead discussions, which can personalize the narrative and increase public support for refugee resettlement. 
  • Harness private sector resources: Encourage businesses to engage actively by providing employment opportunities to refugees and contributing technological expertise to improve humanitarian responses. 
  • Foster Cross-Sector Partnerships: Promote collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement inclusive policies and programs addressing forced displacement and migration.
  • Address climate-related displacement: Integrate strategies to tackle climate change impacts as a driver of displacement, ensuring that climate resilience is part of migration and humanitarian policies. 

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