This report explores the complex interplay between youth, migration, and development across eight countries: Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal, Thailand, and Tunisia. It highlights how young people, facing challenges such as unemployment, social exclusion, and climate change, often turn to migration as a coping strategy and a means of seeking opportunity. The study critiques traditional integration models, which are frequently shaped by Global North perspectives, and instead advocates for a more inclusive, locally grounded, and supranational approach.
Using qualitative methods, the research captures the lived experiences of migrant and non-migrant youth, revealing shared aspirations and systemic barriers. Key findings include the importance of economic inclusion, the impact of intersectional discrimination, and the need for youth engagement in civic and political life. The report proposes a redefinition of integration—one that values cultural diversity, historical context, and community co-creation.
Policy recommendations focus on enhancing local governance, promoting gender-sensitive strategies, ensuring equal access to rights and services, and recognising the dual contributions of youth migrants to both host and origin communities. Ultimately, the report calls for a shift from assimilationist narratives to dynamic, youth-led development frameworks.
