Pr. James F. Hollifield at the Euromed University of Fes: "The challenge of forced migration and human displacement"

Euromed University of Fes hosted Professor James F. Hollifield on May 30, 2024, who gave an illuminating lecture on the governance of migration and global humanitarian crises. A prominent member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York and a recognized expert in migration, Professor Hollifield shared his expertise and insights on migration governance.

It should be noted that Mr. Hollifield holds the "Ora Nixon Arnold Chair in International Political Economy" and is Director of the Tower Center at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Prof. Hollifield has devoted much of his writing to issues related to political and economic development, with particular attention to migratory movements, and he has worked as an advisor to various governments in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has also served as a consultant to many international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Union, the OECD and the Organization of American States.

During this lecture, Professor Hollifield shared his reflections on this pressing issue, offering an informed overview of the global humanitarian crisis related to forced migration by addressing the complexities of migration policies and the governance and management dilemmas of this social phenomenon. Drawing on his experience as an advisor to governments in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as his contributions as a consultant to various international organizations, Mr. Hollifield brought a unique perspective and valuable expertise to this academic discussion.

"Forced migrations continue to multiply across the world, affecting regions as diverse as the Moroccan borders, the southwestern United States and the Mediterranean coasts. In this context, states face a complex challenge: how to balance their security imperative with their duty to protect the human rights of displaced persons, asylum seekers and migrants in general?" Mr. Hollifield stated during the meeting.

This lecture was a unique opportunity for our students and research faculty to understand the complex issues related to forced migrations and human displacements, and also an occasion to promote constructive dialogue on how states can respond effectively and ethically to these major challenges.

This meeting, which enriches the activities of the Alliance of Civilizations Chair at Euromed University of Fes, is part of a series of large-scale events held within UEMF aimed at strengthening intellectual dynamism and stimulating the reflection of the university's young students.