To achieve the objectives and targets set out by the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which is consistent with Objective 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organization for Migration held the Migration Statistics Forum in Panama City.

The Forum sought to strengthen dialogue between organizations and government institutions for the generation of data and mechanisms for the exchange of information on migration.

Furthermore, participants discussed how to identify what type of migration information should be collected and generated, how to review existing or feasible internal mechanisms for the exchange of data and information on migration; and know the capacities installed in participating organizations and institutions to carry out processes of collection, use and exchange of migration data.

Otto Escartín, Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ruth Vigil, Deputy Director; and Idiam Osorio, IOM National Officer for Migration Management, participated in the Forum as well.

The State is committed to identifying areas of opportunity to improve the exchange and dissemination of migration data among institutions to allow the formulation of a national report on migration in Panama.

In this regard, IOM recognizes that in order to address the challenges of migration and seize the opportunities offered by orderly, safe and regular migration; reliable, disaggregated and timely data must be available.

To ensure reliable data collection and exchange, it is important to establish intergovernmental coordination and collaboration channels conducive to evidence-based policymaking, prioritization of investments, and adaptation of interventions for the protection and assistance of migrants.

The Migration Statistics Forum took place from July 18 to 20, 2023, thanks to the support of the Western Hemisphere Program (WHP), which is implemented by IOM and funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) of the US Department of State. For more information, contact IOM Panama's communications team via iompanama@iom.int