As part of our ongoing series spotlighting participants in the 2025 Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP), we spoke with two diplomats who are shaping migration policy in their home countries: Ghassen Mahmoudi, a junior diplomat from Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ndumbeh Saho, Director of Diaspora and Migration Affairs at The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representing two regions with distinct migration realities—but shared priorities in rights-based and cooperative governance—both participants offered insights into how the MMDP is strengthening their work and regional policy agendas.
With a background in international and public law, Mr. Mahmoudi joined Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after serving as a lieutenant in the country’s National Coast Guard. Now stationed in the department for Migration and Tunisians Abroad, he brings a front-line perspective to migration policy, balancing legal knowledge with operational experience. For Ms. Saho, the path has spanned diplomacy, development finance, and high-level coordination. Having worked for over 15 years in The Gambia’s Ministry of Finance and the Office of the President, she now leads diaspora engagement and migration planning efforts in her current role.
Both officials arrived at the MMDP programme with clear motivations. For Mahmoudi, the appeal was in strengthening Tunisia’s regional partnerships: “This type of collaboration deepens both bilateral and multilateral ties. Tunisia’s participation reflects our commitment to a balanced, rights-based, and cooperative approach to migration diplomacy.” Tunisia, as both a country of origin and transit, views MMDP as supporting the implementation of its national migration strategy by reinforcing good governance and migrant protection.
For Saho, the programme offers targeted support for The Gambia’s own migration priorities. “In The Gambia, we consider the diaspora a vital development partner,” she noted. “MMDP aligns with our work by providing evidence-based tools, peer learning, and policy frameworks that support safe and orderly migration while tackling root causes.”
Both diplomats highlighted moments in the programme that challenged their assumptions and deepened their understanding. Mahmoudi spoke of the importance of whole-of-government approaches, reflecting on how migration policies too often sit solely within security or interior portfolios. “The programme reminded us that effective migration management involves labour, health, local government, and above all, diaspora groups. In Tunisia, we’ve already started fostering this approach through initiatives like the National Forum for Diaspora Competences, which last year welcomed over 1,000 global participants.”
Saho, meanwhile, emphasized the value of sessions on migration data and development linkages. Inspired by case studies and peer discussions, she’s working to develop a comprehensive migration profile for The Gambia, one that can inform targeted, strategic policymaking. “The tools we’ve gained will enhance our ability to monitor progress and align interventions with national development plans,” she said.
A recurring theme across their reflections was the importance of South-South cooperation. For Saho, this exchange is about more than shared learning—it’s about strengthening partnerships across regions with common challenges. “We adapt proven strategies from peers to our local context. The collaboration through MMDP is part of building sustainable, responsive systems.” Mahmoudi agreed, noting that the programme promotes coherence across North African migration strategies, especially in countries facing similar issues such as mixed flows, asylum, and labour mobility. He highlighted how the programme can also enhance the work of Tunisia’s migration institutions—like the National Migration Observatory—through improved data practices and shared expertise.
Looking ahead, both participants are eager for the programme’s next modules. Saho pointed to the session on return and reintegration as particularly timely. “Return is one of the most complex phases of migration. Reintegration policies must do more than respond—they need to anticipate and support migrants holistically.” Mahmoudi, echoing her perspective, sees MMDP as a long-term investment in Tunisia’s national strategy. “It empowers us to engage diplomatically, develop coherent policy, and ensure migration works for development and dignity.”
As the programme reaches its midpoint, it’s clear that MMDP continues to serve not just as a training course—but as a platform for shaping the future of migration governance through informed, networked, and cooperative leadership.
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UNU-MERIT and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and the one of ICMPD.
