The Azores Regional Government will convene its fourth Migration Forum from April 8 to 10 across the islands of Corvo and Flores, bringing together policymakers, scholars, and community leaders to examine the future of human mobility in remote Atlantic regions.

Centered on the theme “Migration in the Atlantic Ultraperiphery: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future of Human Mobility,” the forum aims to position the Azores as a critical space for dialogue on migration, integration, and transatlantic identity. Discussions will focus on how geographically isolated territories can respond to shifting migration patterns while fostering social cohesion and economic inclusion.

The opening session, set for April 8 on Corvo Island, will address the future of migration in peripheral regions, followed by panels exploring governance, local integration strategies, and innovative responses to isolation. On April 9, sessions on Flores will examine migration as both a challenge and an opportunity, with contributions from international organizations, local institutions, and migrant associations.

Education, intercultural dialogue, and labor integration will also feature prominently, highlighting the role of schools and community partnerships in addressing linguistic and cultural barriers. The forum concludes on April 10 with discussions on identity, belonging, and the lived experiences of migrants and returnees in small island contexts.

Held in partnership with regional and local authorities, the event underscores the Azores’ evolving role as both a point of departure and arrival in global migration flows. Organizers say the forum reflects a broader commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and the development of inclusive policies—positioning the archipelago not as a periphery, but as a bridge between continents and cultures.

From Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.