Establishing a bold influencing agenda aimed at changing policies, practices, and investments at national, regional, and global levels by encouraging adoption of program evidence and learning.
Our aim is to ensure that Re:BUiLD’s scope of change extends across Kampala and Nairobi, and beyond to any city hosting refugees. The specific outcomes for our Influence and Adoption pillar are focused on two levels:
- Enabling policy change through national, regional and global policy makers.
- Sector change within the humanitarian and development community, who in turn must engage local private sector stakeholders.
- Using our evidence and learnings, we promote the value and effectiveness of urban refugee livelihoods programming.
International Engagements
Participation in the 4th IGAD Scientific Conference on Migration and Displacement held in May 2025
At the 4th IGAD Scientific Conference on Migration and Displacement held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 19 to 21, Re:BUiLD shared insights on effective strategies for supporting urban refugee livelihoods. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to discuss inclusive, evidence-based solutions.
Key discussions highlighted the need to empower city authorities, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and prioritize localized, data-driven approaches. We reaffirm our commitment to co-creating impactful solutions that foster economic inclusion, resilience, and dignity for both displaced populations and host communities.
African Displacement Forum held in April 2025
The 3rd Africa Forum on Displacement, held in Nairobi, Kenya from April 28 to 29, explore what it takes to turn displacement into an engine for economic inclusion, innovation and social cohesion. AFD brought together governments, private sector, philanthropic organizations, policymakers, and refugee-led initiatives to co-create sustainable, inclusive solutions for RDPs across the continent. This year's theme, "All In," highlighted the economic opportunities that emerge when refugees are meaningfully included in shaping solutions.
World Urban Forum held in November 2024
The Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), held in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 to 8, provided a critical platform for discussing sustainable urbanization and the challenges urban communities face worldwide. WUF12 offered significant insights and potential pathways to East African cities on improving living conditions and integrating urban displacement communities into urban governance by providing key lessons from across the globe on displacement inclusion. The IRC's Re:BUiLD program also hosted a side event during the WUF12 that brought together policymakers, practitioners, refugees, researchers, and donors to discuss the unique challenges urban-based refugees face and explore how various actors can better support them.
Africa Urban Forum held in September 2024
The Africa Urban Forum (AUF) 2024 , held in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 4 to 6, explored the critical role of urbanization in achieving the objectives of Agenda 2063 and shaping the future of Africa’s cities structured around two sub-themes: financing urbanization for socioeconomic transformation; and sustainable and resilient urban development in Africa. Experts from various fields, including governments, academia, urban planners, economists, architects, developers, community leaders, residents, civil society, the private sector, development agencies, and practitioners shared best practices related to urban development and planning commitment to action.
Global Refugee Forum held in December 2023
The Global Refugee Forum 2023, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 13 to 15, aimed at realizing the goals of the Global Compact on Refugees. Key outcomes included 1,600 pledges, totaling $2.2 billion in new financial commitments including approximately USD250million from the private sector. The focus of these pledges was on easing host country pressures, enhancing refugee self-reliance, and improving conditions in countries of origin. This marked a significant step forward with substantial commitments and actions aimed at addressing the challenges faced by refugees globally. The lessons learned and actions proposed provide a roadmap for Re: BUiLD to contribute to positive change in the refugee space. It also provided the basis of collaborations, support, and networking.