1,400 participants Joined CIFAL Philippines’ Webinar on Migration and Development Challenges Faced in Asia

21 April 2017, Quezon City, Philippines – The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in Philippines, in partnership with Metropolis Asia succesfully hosted a webinar on the critical issues on migration and development faced by the region.  Over 1,400 participated in the webinar to learn about the many issues that make up the migration research agenda in Asia.

During the webinar, panelists from four Metropolis Asia member countries presented a brief overview of the most salient migration issues in their respective locales. The panelists also accepted questions from the webinar’s viewers, some of whom were physically present at the CIFAL Philippines in the University of the Philippines.

From Beijing, Dr. Huiyao Wang, Founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization, provided updates on the latest policy developments in China in relation to migration. He highlighted the Chinese government’s relaxation of its “talent policy,” which allows foreign nationals with higher education to study and work in the country, as well as the reforms to China’s green card.

Representing the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India, Dr. Binod Khadria raised issues of out-migration from South Asia, particularly problems in recruitment and remittances.

Similarly, Prof. Stella Go of the Philippine Migration Research Network discussed the country’s long history of overseas employment and the prospects of harnessing the potential of the 10.3 million Filipinos abroad in propelling local development.

Lastly, Dr. Ki-seon Chung and Dr. Younghee Cho of the International Organization for Migration – Migration Research and Training Centre talked about South Korea’s problems with integrating migrants into Korean society.

The highlights of the webinar will be presented at the International Steering Committee of Metropolis International on 27-28 April 2017 in Brussels, Belgium.

The entire webinar can be viewed at this link (login required).

Photo: UN Photo/UNHCR/R LeMoyne