Migration and Development

Introduction to Module 11: Migration and Development

Migration is a major driver of human development globally. Safe and regular migration pathways are central to growth and prosperity, with migrants an important part of the solution for reaching the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Migrants and diaspora communities contribute to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) more than any other group of state and non-state actors. Migrants contribute to development in several different ways, including through labour migration, and the increased innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital it offers. Migrant diaspora communities also make important contributions to development through the remittances they send back home, as well as through diaspora bonds, foreign direct investments and the creation of new businesses in countries of origin.

Learning Objective

Students will be able to articulate different ways migration contributes to development, including the increased innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital labour migration offers. They will also become aware of the important contributions migrant diaspora communities make to development, sending remittances back home, and through diaspora bonds, foreign direct investments and the creation of new businesses in countries of origin. They will be able to discuss different ways migration contributes to achieving specific SDGs.

WMR Chapter Focus

This module draws on Chapter 9 “A Post-pandemic Rebound? Migration and Mobility Globally After COVID-19,” in the World Migration Report 2024, Chapter 4 “Growing Migration Inequality: What do the Global Data Actually Show?” in the World Migration Report 2024.

Proposed Schedule

1-2 class periods (50-100 minutes) plus independent student work.

  • Class period one: introduction, student resource sheet; text-based and data-based questions
  • Class period two: Module One Scenario Interactive Activity: “Spin the SDG wheel to explore how migration relates to each SDG and learn more about migration-relevant data for the SDGs

Student Assessment

There are several assessment options in this module and teachers may use some or all of them.

  • Understanding the Basics:

    • Questions based on the Student Resource Sheets

  • Going Further:

    • Text case study: Migration is a global strategic asset
    • Data case study: Predictive indicators of migration and displacement
    • Interactive Scenario: Students will work together and visit the online Migration Data Portal where they can “spin the SDG wheel” to explore how each SDG relates to migration and learn more about migration-relevant data for each.

Evidence of Learning

Students will discuss the different ways migration contributes to development, including through labour migration and diaspora communities. They will work in groups to explore and complete an oral presentation about the different ways migration contributes to achieving specific SDGs.

Starter Activity

Watch the 2024 IOM—UNDP video: SDGs: People on the move are part of the solution.