Advancing Disaster Displacement Solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean

A Space for Dialogue and Commitment

The event brought together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders to evaluate achievements and identify opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation. The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) actively contributed to these discussions, reaffirming the importance of integrating human mobility into disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies.

The PDD also participated in Thematic Session 2: Drivers of Migration and Safe Pathways, during which the following messages were highlighted:

• The challenges faced by the region in addressing disaster displacement and climate-induced migration.
• The progress made in integrating human mobility considerations into disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies.
• The intersections between migration, climate change, and disasters, underscoring the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders.

One of the highlights was the side event titled Human Mobility in the Context of Disasters, Environmental Degradation, and Climate Change: Progress on GCM Commitments, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the PDD. The session showcased Latin America’s leadership in addressing the intersection of migration, disasters, and climate change, emphasizing innovative governance mechanisms and best practices.

Voices from the Region

The discussion included the participation of high-level speakers, including:

• H.E. Alejandro Solano Ortiz, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
• H.E. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
• Luis Doñas, National Disaster and Risk Management Service (SENAPRED), Chile
• Juan Carlos Méndez, Regional Advisor, Platform on Disaster Displacement
• Moderated by: Ambassador Pedro Hernández, Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The panel highlighted the progress made by countries such as Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica in developing policies and strategies aligned with GCM commitments. Discussions also underscored the need for further collaboration to address emerging challenges and ensure adequate protection for those affected by climate change.

Key Takeaways and Future Steps

The event reinforced the significance of international cooperation in tackling disaster displacement. A key outcome was the commitment to furthering discussions at the upcoming Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Barranquilla, Colombia, in June 2025. This will provide an opportunity to build on the momentum generated in Santiago and explore concrete solutions for disaster and climate-induced displacement.

In his closing statement, Ambassador Alejandro Dávalos, Deputy Minister of Human Mobility of Ecuador, emphasized the urgency of these efforts, stating:

‘We acknowledge the urgent need for greater cooperation to address climate-induced international displacement, ensuring that individuals and communities affected by environmental changes have access to protection, resilience-building measures, and sustainable solutions.’

Moving Forward with Strengthened Partnerships

The Second Regional Review of the GCM demonstrated the region’s commitment to addressing migration challenges through a human rights-based approach. The PDD remains committed to working alongside governments and partners to advance the implementation of disaster displacement solutions, ensuring that migration policies in Latin America and the Caribbean remain proactive, inclusive, and resilient in the face of climate change and environmental risks.

Cover photo: IOM