What comes to mind when you think about migration? In a world where we have access to an abundance of information, yet often only fragments of it, have you ever wondered why there can be such a gap between perception and reality?
The 4EU+ Alliance is pleased to welcome Arthur Erken, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Organization for Migration, for a thought-provoking and interactive lecture on migration in Europe.
This session will explore the contrast between media narratives, statistical realities, public discourse, and lived experiences. Drawing on data and field-based insights, the lecture will offer a nuanced perspective on migration, inviting participants to engage in an open dialogue.
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from an expert working at the forefront of migration issues, gain evidence-based insights, and take part in a discussion that goes beyond headlines.
Date: 29 April 2026
Time: 12:15 – 13:00 CET
Location: UNIGE, Dufour U259 or online
Registration is required to attend the event, whether in person or online. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for registration is 26 April 2026:
Online participation
In-person participation
Arthur Erken – Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, IOM
Arthur Erken is IOM's Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. He assumed this position in October 2024. In this capacity, he is responsible for providing overall strategic leadership and policy direction, ensuring effective programme implementation, and supporting regional and international processes and dialogues on migration.
Prior to joining IOM, Mr. Erken served as the Director of the Policy and Strategy Division at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in New York. There, he oversaw the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of UNFPA's Strategic Plan, the most progressive to date, and guided the organization's inter-agency and intergovernmental engagements.
Before this role, Mr. Erken led UNFPA's Division of Communications and Strategic Partnerships, responsible for corporate resource mobilization, corporate communications and facilitating strategic partnerships. His experience also includes senior leadership positions with UNFPA in Asia, where he served as the Acting Regional Director for the Asia and Pacific Regional Office in Bangkok, and as UNFPA Representative in Vietnam and Bangladesh, and before as Deputy Representative in Tanzania.
Arthur holds Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Anthropology from Radboud University in the Netherlands.
This lecture is organized in the context of the signing of an agreement between the International Organization for Migration and the 4EU+ Alliance.
This strategic partnership aims to strengthen academic collaboration in key areas such as migration studies, global health, and environmental change. By expanding its network, the 4EU+ Alliance seeks to further diversify its academic offer in service of society, while increasing its impact on policy development across Europe.
As part of this initiative, an exhibition featuring migrant stories will take place from 27 to 30 April 2026 at Uni Dufour.