Dr. Husnu Tekin, Director of the Human Resources and Sustainable Development (HRSD) Directorate, represented ECO Secretariat as an observer at the Second Asia-Pacific Regional Review of the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, held in Bangkok from 4-6 February 2025. This event was jointly organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP).
The review brought together representatives from UNESCAP Member States, permanent observers, international organizations, and various stakeholders identified in the Global Compact for Migration. The event provided a platform to evaluate the progress of the Global Compact’s implementation and to endorse an inclusive, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach to migration governance.
During the discussions, participants highlighted key best practices, shared lessons learned, and identified challenges faced by the Asia-Pacific region concerning migration. The meeting emphasized the need for enhanced data collection, strengthened cooperation, global responsibility, people-centered policies, and addressing the root causes of migration to mitigate the adverse effects of migration and further the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his remarks, Dr. Tekin outlined ECO’s initiatives and activities related to migration, in alignment with the ECO Vision 2025. He noted that the ECO region continues to face significant migration challenges, exacerbated by frequent political, social, economic, and environmental shifts. These factors have positioned the region as both a source and destination for migrants. Dr. Tekin further stated that Turkey, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Iran are key ECO member states that function as major destinations, transit points, and origins for migrants. Afghanistan, he noted, remains a principal country of origin in the region.
Dr. Tekin also participated as a panelist in a special event focusing on “Regional and Sub-regional Priorities, Cooperation, and Partnerships for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in Asia and the Pacific.” In his presentation, he discussed the outcomes of the ECO-IOM-Iran joint workshop held in July 2024 in Iran on the theme of Combating Trafficking in Persons and Human Smuggling in the ECO Region. He shared valuable insights on the trends and scope of trafficking and human smuggling, as well as best practices and success stories that have contributed to addressing these critical issues.
