Maastricht and Brussels- A new international project, Enhancing Migration Management through Capacity Development (MMCD), has been launched to strengthen effective migration governance through a comprehensive set of residential and online training initiatives.
Running from February 2026 to November 2028, the 34-month project will equip 170 government officials and civil servants with the knowledge, skills, and professional networks required to strengthen migration policies and systems in their respective countries.
This project represents the latest phase in a series of migration capacity development initiatives delivered by UNU-MERIT co-funded by the European Union, contracted by International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through the Migration Partnership Facility. Building on previous editions of the Migration Management Diploma Programme, it continues a long-standing collaboration focused on strengthening policy capacity and institutional cooperation across regions.
Professor Fiona Tregenna, Director of UNU-MERIT, stated, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with ICMPD through this important programme. Effective migration management is more relevant than ever in today’s global context. Our team of experts will deliver world-class, evidence-based training that equips policymakers with the analytical tools and practical skills needed to design informed, forward-looking migration policies. We look forward to supporting participants in strengthening migration governance in their respective countries”
Co-funded by the European Union under umbrella of the Migration Partnership Facility implemented by ICMPD, MMCD builds on UNU-MERIT’s extensive experience in migration-related capacity development. The project combines practical training, peer exchange, and sustained professional engagement to ensure long-term institutional impact.
Dr Mindel Van de Laar, Associate Professor & Head Capacity Development Office expressed “With this package of trainings, we are again able to service a diverse group of policy makers and support them to remain informed on the state of art of migration management. The modes we use to train the policy makers include in person and online formats, ranging from a few days to a few months. This variation in the offer allows us to provide feasible alternatives for policy makers at starters, mid-career and higher level, and the diversity of the participants will benefit the debates and peer learning in the classroom.”
Training and Peer Exchange
A central pillar of MMCD is the delivery of four tailored migration management training programmes designed to respond to diverse regional and professional needs. These include the long-standing Migration Management Diploma Programme, dedicated face-to-face country-specific and francophone tracks, and online courses delivered under the Moving the Migration Policy Forward (MMPAF) framework.
Participants will gain analytical tools and applied knowledge to better assess migration trends, anticipate emerging challenges, and design effective, evidence-based policy responses.
Professor Dr Melissa Siegel reflected: “Not only do students benefit from the decades of migration expertise at the University but they are able to build strong networks with governments and organizations in Europe. In combination with their learning from professors focused on real world practical experience, participants also learn a great deal from each other sharing experiences and advice. These programs give incredibly well-rounded experiences.”
To maximise sustainability, the project places strong emphasis on peer learning and institutional knowledge transfer. Participants will be supported in applying newly acquired skills within their home institutions and sharing insights with colleagues. Through structured alumni engagement and networking activities, MMCD will contribute to strengthening a global professional community of approximately 350 migration management practitioners.
As stressed by the manager of the MMCD Action, Ms. Cristina Mancigotti: “With this initiative, we aim to strengthen our engagement with alumni of previous training programmes, such as participants of previous MMDP intakes. We will do so by offering networking online opportunities, such as thematic webinars and alumni reunions, providing a virtual space to re-connect and refresh the learning acquired in Maastricht. We will also offer an open-access platform which will act as repository for up-to-date learning materials, available to all programme alumni”.
MMCD is implemented by the United Nations University (UNU-MERIT) and Maastricht University (The Netherlands) and will be delivered in partner countries across the EU Southern Neighbourhood, Silk Route countries, Central Asia, Africa, and South Asia.
The official project information page is available here.
This project is co-funded by the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility.
