One of UNU-MERIT’s longest-running capacity development programs, MMDP has been equipping migration professionals with critical knowledge and skills since its launch in 2013. This three-month full-time program was created to support policymakers from diverse backgrounds in understanding migration management from an interdisciplinary perspective. Since its inception, MMDP has been delivered more than ten times, helping participants deepen their expertise and expand their professional networks.
The participants in this program are all experienced professionals working in migration, bringing valuable perspectives from their home countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. While they are deeply familiar with their national contexts, they often seek to broaden their understanding of global migration trends, the latest research, and best practices in evidence-based policymaking. In a rapidly evolving field, having dedicated time to engage with new developments is rare.
As Dr. Mindel van de Laar, Head of the Capacity Development Office, explains:
“Professionals are often fully engaged in their daily work and appreciate the opportunity to step away from their regular responsibilities to focus on learning. MMDP provides them not only with up-to-date knowledge but also the time and space to reflect on migration management from a broader, interdisciplinary perspective.”
A Dynamic Learning Experience
The MMDP curriculum is designed to be interactive and practice-oriented. In addition to lectures, participants engage in case studies, analytical discussions, data analysis, and policy application exercises. They also present findings and explore how to apply newly acquired knowledge to improve migration governance in their institutions back home.
A key strength of the program is the peer learning and networking opportunities. MMDP participants come from various countries and institutional backgrounds, creating an environment where they not only learn from experts but also from each other. Connecting with European governments and international organizations further enhances their exposure to global migration policymaking.
Prof. Melissa Siegel, who has been involved with MMDP since its inception, reflects on the program’s impact:
“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing so many students from all over the world come through this program—not only learning from us but also informing and learning from one another. Many have built foundational skills that have helped them implement new programs, improve policies, and even receive promotions upon returning home. Seeing their growth and achievements makes teaching in MMDP incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Professional Networks
A significant highlight of the program is its networking component, which includes field visits to key policy institutions. Participants travel to:
- Dutch Ministries in The Hague
- EU institutions in Brussels
- UN agencies and intergovernmental organisations in Geneva
These visits offer valuable insights into migration governance at national, regional, and international levels, while also allowing participants to connect with policymakers and experts who may become key contacts in future projects.
Beyond these institutional visits, UNU-MERIT is investing in continued engagement with MMDP alumni, facilitating opportunities for them to connect with migration professionals in their own countries. By fostering an active network of trained policymakers and practitioners, MMDP helps amplify knowledge-sharing and collaboration beyond the program itself.
Looking Ahead: Expanding MMDP’s Reach
As the program continues to evolve, UNU-MERIT is expanding its offerings. In addition to the annual English-language MMDP, plans are underway to introduce:
- A French-language MMDP program
- More country-specific training programs tailored to local migration governance needs
Step by step, we are working to ensure that policymakers worldwide have access to evidence-based, practical knowledge on migration and asylum. As this year’s cohort embarks on their MMDP journey, we look forward to sharing their experiences, insights, and the real-world impact of the program.
Suggested citation: Laar Mindel, Siegel Melissa. "MMDP 2025: A Journey in Migration Management Training ," United Nations University, UNU-MERIT, 2025-02-25, https://unu.edu/merit/article/mmdp-2025-journey-migration-management-training.
