Migration is among the global phenomena that take place in today's international environment complicated by natural disasters, violence, disregard for human rights, social and economic inequalities, said Ambassador Sterk in his statement on behalf of Bulgaria at the 115th Session of the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that took place in Geneva on 26-28 November 2024. The promotion of regular migration and regular migration pathways will hopefully help to reduce irregular migration and the use of unsafe migration routes, as well as smuggling and trafficking in persons. Migration should be a choice, not a necessity for survival, and migrants should not be used for political purposes. Bulgaria appreciates IOM's drive to become a modern organisation that responds to operational challenges on the ground and to the growth of the organisation. We support the determination to do this in a responsible and transparent manner and in consultation with Member States, continued Bulgaria’s Permanent Representative in Geneva.

Regular pathways were in the focus of the discussions at the high-level segment of the session and the need to promote them was universally acknowledged.

The Council considered a number of administrative issues, adopted the IOM Budget Programme 2025 by consensus, and discussed the main highlights of the IOM Director-General's Report 2024.

IOM’s work spans the humanitarian-development-peace nexus; its activities address urgent humanitarian needs, engage in long-term development initiatives and support peacebuilding efforts. This comprehensive approach ensures holistic support to governments, migrants and communities, fostering resilience and sustainable development.

The Organization also collaborates with Member States to enhance adaptive capacities, reduce irregular migration risks and increase the degree of choice under which migration decisions are made.

IOM has diversified its funding sources through an innovative strategy, including harnessing the support of its Goodwill Ambassadors, forming new partnerships and expanding digital fundraising and communication efforts. As a result, private sector contributions had reached USD 30.77 million by September 2024.

The Organization has undertaken extensive policy and institutional reforms to ensure it remains adequately prepared to meet its increasing responsibilities and respond to requests for assistance. At the policy level, the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028 reflects IOM’s ambition to facilitate the orderly and humane management of migration.