Panel 1: Managing Asylum and Migration: International Cooperation, Public Costs and Policy Choices

Date: September 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Location: The New School

As governments increasingly turn to third-country agreements, offshore processing, return hubs, and other forms of externalization, this panel will examine whether these policies are lawful, effective, and worth their significant public cost. Bringing together legal, policy, financial, and lived-experience perspectives, the discussion will assess the safeguards required under international law, compare externalization with domestic processing and community-based alternatives, and identify practical approaches that balance refugee protection, responsible border governance, state capacity, and public confidence.

Panel 2: Losing the Narrative? How Media, Politics, and Public Fear Shape Perceptions of Refugees and Migrants

Date: September 24, 2026
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: The New School

Refugees and migrants are increasingly at the center of political polarization, public anxiety, and media debate, while their everyday contributions often remain overlooked. This panel will explore how political framing, media coverage, misinformation, and fear shape public perceptions and influence policy, particularly during elections and periods of uncertainty. It will examine why many existing counter-narratives have failed to resonate and identify trusted messengers, stronger communication strategies, and practical alliances that can help refugee and migrant leaders, governments, journalists, researchers, and civil society rebuild public trust.

Speakers will be announced Shortly.