Pakistan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have explored opportunities to connect skills development, climate mobility and economic growth, with discussions focusing on disaster preparedness, safe and regular migration pathways, international employment demand and climate financing. The discussions took place as Pakistan seeks to improve workforce readiness, strengthen the contribution of overseas employment and address the economic challenges associated with climate-related displacement. Both sides also considered how better planning, institutional cooperation and targeted investment could help develop projects that respond to labour market requirements while supporting vulnerable communities.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met IOM Deputy Director-General SungAh Lee on the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. According to a press release, the meeting covered areas where cooperation between Pakistan and the international migration agency could support economic development, population resilience and employment opportunities. The discussions brought together issues related to migration management, vocational skills, climate risks and financing, reflecting the links between workforce development and broader economic planning.
One of the key areas discussed was the strengthening of disaster preparedness through early-warning systems and population movement data. Pakistan faces risks from climate-related disasters that can disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure and force people to move away from affected areas. Timely warnings and reliable information about population movements can help authorities prepare for emergencies, identify communities requiring assistance and plan responses more effectively. Better coordination between institutions can also support decisions about housing, essential services and employment opportunities for people affected by disasters. The meeting considered these issues as part of a wider discussion on climate mobility and the need to improve preparedness for population displacement.
The two sides also explored ways to align skills training in Pakistan with demand in international labour markets. Matching training programmes with the requirements of overseas employers can help workers develop relevant technical and professional capabilities before seeking employment abroad. Such an approach may involve identifying occupations where international demand exists, improving vocational training and strengthening the connection between training institutions and employment opportunities. The discussions also covered expanding safe and regular migration pathways, which can help prospective workers access overseas employment through recognised channels and better understand the requirements associated with working in other countries.
For Pakistan, overseas employment remains an important source of household income and foreign exchange. Aurangzeb highlighted the economic contribution of overseas workers and the importance of using formal remittance channels. Remittances sent by Pakistanis working abroad provide financial support to families and contribute to the country’s external receipts. Using formal channels can help ensure that transfers pass through regulated financial systems, improving transparency and access to documented financial services. The minister also highlighted opportunities to encourage productive investment, linking the economic contribution of overseas workers with wider efforts to support business activity and development within Pakistan.
The focus on skills development also has implications for Pakistan’s employment strategy. Training that responds to international labour demand could help workers prepare for opportunities in different occupations and improve their prospects of securing suitable jobs. However, effective implementation requires reliable information about employer requirements, training standards and the qualifications recognised in destination countries. Cooperation among government agencies, training institutions and international partners can help address these requirements and strengthen the connection between workforce preparation and employment opportunities. The meeting’s emphasis on safe and regular migration also places importance on ensuring that workers can pursue overseas employment through appropriate legal and administrative procedures.
Climate financing and institutional capacity building formed another part of the discussions. Pakistan and the IOM explored innovative financing approaches that could support climate-related initiatives and help turn development priorities into bankable projects. Bankable projects are those developed with sufficiently clear financial, operational and implementation plans to attract potential funding. Developing such proposals often requires technical expertise, institutional coordination and a clear understanding of expected outcomes. Strengthening these capabilities could help Pakistan prepare projects that address climate vulnerability, improve community resilience and support sustainable economic activity.
The connection between climate mobility and economic growth was an important theme across the meeting’s agenda. Climate-related events can affect livelihoods, disrupt agricultural activity and place additional pressure on communities and public services. Integrating population movement data with disaster planning may help authorities identify emerging needs and direct resources more effectively. At the same time, skills development and access to safe overseas employment can provide additional economic opportunities for workers, including those whose livelihoods are affected by environmental pressures. The discussions reflected the importance of considering migration, employment and climate resilience together rather than treating them as separate policy areas.
The engagement between Aurangzeb and Lee highlights potential areas for continued cooperation between Pakistan and the IOM in workforce development, migration management and climate-related planning. Aligning skills training with international employment demand, strengthening early-warning systems, promoting formal remittances and developing bankable climate projects could support several of Pakistan’s economic and development priorities. The discussions did not announce a specific funding commitment, project approval or implementation timeline. Any future progress will depend on the development of concrete proposals, institutional coordination and the availability of suitable financing. The meeting nevertheless established a basis for exploring how migration and skills policies can contribute to economic opportunities while strengthening preparedness for climate-related challenges.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.