According to the author, geopolitical unrest and climate-related crises have been key drivers of mass displacement and elevated levels of migration domestically and internationally. At a glance, key migration data indicate that in 2020, there were 281 million international migrants globally, which represented 3.6% of the world’s population, with 117 million people living displaced at the end of 2022. Data from that year show that more than 114,000 refugees were admitted for resettlement globally. This was double the number from 2021 and indicated a return to pre-pandemic migration levels.

The report explores the increasingly significant roles of climate change, diverse policy responses, and technology and AI in shaping the future of global migration. However, experts cited in the report caution that strained global economic conditions may heighten the risk of anti-immigrant sentiment.

The report also notes that many countries (including Canada and the United States) leverage immigration to address demographic challenges like aging workforces and lower birth rates while stimulating economic growth.

The authors conclude that Canada stands out as a leader in inclusive immigration policy because it prioritizes family reunification, refugee protection and economic migration.