Navigating uncertainty: Leveraging digital technologies for migration decisions
In February, CERC Migration hosted an insightful two-day workshop titled Navigating Uncertainty: The Future of Migration and Inequality in a Changing World, in partnership with the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (external link) (STIAS). This event brought together researchers from across the globe in South Africa to examine pressing issues in migration governance, inequality, and mobility in the face of growing global uncertainties.
The discussion, led by Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Igor Grossmann, Professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo, and Faisal Garba, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Cape Town, and Associate Professor of Sociology, Migration and Mobility, Africa Institute Sharjah, explored how migrants use technology to navigate critical life decisions.
"Migration is not just about borders and policies; it’s about how people navigate those structures, finding opportunities while also confronting barriers. Technology plays a critical role in this process," said Triandafyllidou.
Over the course of the workshop, scholars engaged in rich discussions on how economic, political, and environmental disruptions are reshaping migration patterns and policies worldwide. Sessions explored topics such as the impact of climate change on displacement, the evolving role of international institutions, and the intersection of migration and economic inequality. The event fostered cross-disciplinary dialogue, with participants sharing diverse perspectives and research insights.
The event underscored the importance of international academic partnerships in addressing the complexities of migration in an era of uncertainty. As we look ahead, the insights generated during this workshop will continue to inform CERC Migration’s research and engagement efforts.
This workshop was part of a prestigious six-week fellowship of Professor Triandafyllidou and Professor Grossmann, on the future of human mobility and migration that enabled them to further develop their understanding of how advanced digital technologies shape human mobility and decision making. STIAS fellowships (external link) bring together leading scholars to engage in high-level interdisciplinary research on global challenges. Professor Triandafyllidou's stay at STIAS contributes to future durable collaboration between STIAS and CERC Migration.
Photo credit: Stellenbosch Centre for Photographic Services