International migration has been recognised as one of the most important social processes that strongly influences the sphere of politics, economics and cultural identity. This is particularly evident in relation to Poland. In response to the increasing demand for specialist knowledge in the area of migration, the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Gdańsk has opened the Migration Observatory programme within its structures. The official inauguration of the new programme will take place on October 25.

‘Migration causes a variety of challenges in host countries, to which local authorities, NGOs, and educational entities must find, often in the short term, answers and solutions. The Migration Observatory aims to support these decisions with the expertise of University of Gdańsk researchers,’ says dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at the University of Gdańsk.

The Migration Observatory is intended to integrate academic, research, and practical activities. It will allow for a better understanding of the migration phenomenon, support the integration processes of migrants, and provide key tools for decision-makers and other stakeholders, including public institutions or NGOs.

Dr Rafał Raczyński - political scientist, assistant professor at the Department of International Relations of the Institute of Political Science of the UG, chief researcher at the Emigration Museum in Gdynia, member of the Committee on Migration Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Pomeranian Council for Regional Migration Policy - became the coordinator of the Migration Observatory. The Migration Observatory team also includes dr Elżbieta Czapka, Coordinator of the International Cooperation programme at the Centre for Sustainable Development UG and dr Kamila Kowalska from the Department of Public Policy and Administration of the Institute of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, UG.

‘The Migration Observatory aims to monitor and analyse migration processes both on a local, regional and national scale, says dr Rafał Raczyński. - Its task is to provide reliable data, expert opinions, reports and analyses that can serve as a basis for decision-making by public authorities, NGOs and the private sector. The Observatory will also conduct research on the integration of migrants and migrant women, the impact of migration on the labour market and issues related to multiculturalism.’

The inauguration ceremony of the Migration Observatory will take place on October 25, 2024 at 10.00 a.m. in the University of Gdańsk Library. The ceremony will be attended by the Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship Mieczysław Struk, Deputy Mayor of the City of Gdańsk Monika Chabior, Rector of the University of Gdańsk prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG and representatives of local authorities of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and NGOs.

Those interested in participating in the event are invited to contact us by e-mail: szymon.gronowski@ug.edu.pl.

More information about the Migration Observatory on the website of the Centre for Sustainable Development University of Gdańsk (CZRUG) https://czrug.ug.edu.pl/obserwatorium-migracji/.