International Migration: From Root Causes to Drivers

Panel 1

From root causes to drivers? What have we learnt?

Chair: Anna Triandafyllidou, Toronto Metropolitan University

Co-chair: Amin Moghadam, Toronto Metropolitan University

Speakers:

• Linda Oucho, AMADPOC, Nairobi
• Brenda Yeoh, National University of Singapore
• Marina Manke, Global Migration Data Analysis Centre, IOM
• Marta Bivand Erdal, PRIO, Oslo

Recent research has highlighted the importance of steering away from static understandings of ‘root causes’ of international migration and rather focusing on the dynamic nature of migration flows. Researchers have investigated a broad range of factors driving migration flows (Including political, social, economic as well as environmental and cultural) while also scrutinising the role of intermediaries and acknowledging the importance of migrant agency. This Roundtable takes stock of recent findings in this field and discusses how they can inform better policy making at the international level.

Panel 2

Roundtable: Data Visualisation

Chair: Mary Boatemaa Setrana, University of Ghana

Co-chair: Yousef Aleghfeli, Toronto Metropolitan University

• Ali Mazalek, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Gabby Resch, Ontario Tech University
• Daniela Ghio, University of Catania

This roundtable presents novel data visualisation tools that help us present complex quantitative migration data analysis in accessible forms.

Panel 3

Migrating in South and Southeast Asia

Chair: S. Irudaya Rajan, International Institute of Migration and Development, Thiruvananthapuram, India

Co-chair: Jérémie Molho, Toronto Metropolitan University

Speakers:

• Sagar Sharma, University of Kathmandu
• Tasneem Siddiqui, University of Dhaka
• Sin Yee Koh, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
• Richa Shivakoti, Toronto Metropolitan University

Migration in South and Southeast Asia is driven by economic and environmental factors while also shaped by previous cultural and social ties. This panel presents state of the art research on migration dynamics between Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia and Canada.

Panel 4

Roundtable: Drivers of migration to and from Canada

Chair: Ashika Niraula, Toronto Metropolitan University

Co-chair: Melissa Kelly, Toronto Metropolitan University

• Mireille Paquet, Concordia University
• Yasmeen Abu Laban, University of Alberta
• Henry Akanko, Hire Immigrants, Ottawa
• Marshia Akbar, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Josephine Wong, Toronto Metropolitan University

While Canada’s immigration system clearly distinguishes between the economic, humanitarian and family class, the motivations and projects of people who come to this country are much more complex and dynamic. This Roundtable examines what are the main reasons for choosing Canada and how these have evolved during the past decade.

Panel 5

Discussion Tables – Conference participants

How are drivers of migration to Canada changing today?

Interactive session with active participation of the conference speakers and attendees.

Panel 6

Migration Drivers in Central and North America (Spanish translation)

Chair: Tanya Basok, University of Windsor

Co-chair: Sarah Hoyos-Hoyos, Toronto Metropolitan University

Speakers:

• Claudia Masferrer, El Colegio de Mexico
• Marcel Arevalo, FLACSO, Guatemala
• Patricia Martin, Université de Montréal

Migration to North America has become increasingly complex as people from Latin and Central America as well as distant world regions are traveling north in search of safety, stability and a better life. While researchers have documented the shift in the composition of flows and their drivers, migration policies have lagged behind. This panel will present state of the art research on the complex drivers of migration flows from Central America to Mexico and Canada.

Panel 7

Roundtable: How do Advanced Digital Technologies shape the information seeking process during migration?

Chair: Masoud Kianpour, Toronto Metropolitan University

Co-chair: Kiana Jenabidehkordi, Toronto Metropolitan University

• Munmun de Choudhury, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Ana Beduschi, University of Exeter
• Parvati Raghuram, Open University, Milton Keynes
• Jean-Christophe Dumont, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Advanced digital technologies can become important tools in seeking information and making decisions about migration. However, they also hide important risks as the social media sphere is often ripe with misinformation and disinformation while AI tools may reproduce biased information based on past data. This roundtable discusses the potential and pitfalls of advanced digital technologies in shaping migrant decision making.

Panel 8

Migration Drivers in West Africa (French translation)

Chair: Luisa Veronis, University of Ottawa

Co-chair: Younes Ahouga, Toronto Metropolitan University

Speakers:

• Doudou Gueye, Universite Assane Seck de Zinguichor, Casamance
• Olayinka Akanle, University of Ibadan
• Chris Gore, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Leyla Sall, University of Moncton
• Oreva Olakpe, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Thomas Yeboah, University of Ghana

This panel investigates the multiple drivers and the complex migration patterns that characterise the West African region. Panelists cast light to intra-regional migration as well as to inter-continental flows pointing to the role of networks and the importance of migrant agency in the migration process.

Fireside Chat: Climate and Development-induced Displacement

Chair: Sandeep Agrawal, University of Alberta

Co-chair: Monica Gagnon, Toronto Metropolitan University

• Aniseh Bro, Appalachian State University
• Etienne Piguet, Université de Neuchatel
• Mary Boatemaa Setrana, University of Ghana

Environmental degradation and loss of habitat because of extractivist processes are causing increasing internal displacement in several countries in Latin America and in Africa. This panel discusses critically how ‘development’ can lead to dispossession and forced migration and how such an impact can be countered.