IMRF Summary Report: Local Governments at the 2nd Global Migration Compact Review
The IMRF Summary Report captures how cities and regions advanced migration commitments at the 2026 IMRF in New York, while calling for meaningful inclusion in future UN processes.
(30 June 2026)
Last May 2026 in New York, Local governments took center stage at the 2nd International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), calling for stronger action, financing, and inclusion in global migration governance. The Local Coalition for Migrants and Refugees now publishes its IMRF Summary Report, showcasing the concrete action and real impact local governments brought to the IMRF.
The Report highlights how local and regional governments:
Presented 43 new pledges to the IMRF. Submitted through the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees, these bring the total number of commitments since 2022 to 181. Since 2022, these pledges collectively reached more than 240 million residents and mobilized over USD 90 million.
Contributed directly to official IMRF discussions alongside Member States, civil society and UN agencies;
Showcased practical solutions on economic inclusion, access to services, participatory governance and narratives.
Called for stronger direct investment in cities and communities at a time of growing funding pressures and increasing demands on local governments.
A recurring message throughout the week was clear: migration governance succeeds or fails locally. While local leaders continue to demonstrate leadership, innovation and pragmatism, they remain under-resourced relative to the responsibilities they are expected to carry.
The report also examines the outcomes of the IMRF Progress Declaration, the role played by local governments in shaping the process, and key recommendations for strengthening localization and multilevel governance in future migration reviews.
