JDC

The JDC Marketplace on Forced Displacement Research

September 18-19, 2025

International Institute of Humanitarian Law | Sanremo, Italy

 

As part of its “Knowledge Agenda”, the World Bank – UNHCR Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement (JDC) is designing a new tool, the Marketplace, to stimulate collaborations between researchers and policymakers and produce operationally relevant research.

The Marketplace will provide a transparent, virtual space where stakeholders (policymakers, practitioners, donors, etc.) can post research needs related to forced displacement, while researchers will be able to assess and propose relevant solutions. It will function as a platform with entries from entities seeking evidence-based recommendations, allowing researchers to navigate and address the posted needs.

To start building momentum around this initiative and facilitate new opportunities of dialogue between researchers and policymakers, the JDC organized an in-person event in collaboration with the International Institute of Humanitarian Law. The event focused on building connections between practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, defining joint research objectives, and shaping proposals that address the operational needs of forced displacement.

With similar initiatives existing but none dedicated specifically to forced displacement, the Marketplace will be crucial in a time when forced displacement levels are at record highs and funding opportunities are limited.

Event Report

JDC Presentation: Introduction to the Marketplace

Download the presentation

Agenda

Thursday, September 18
10:00–11:00
Registration & welcome coffee
11:00–12:00
Session 1: Parallel Sessions
Session 1a (Policymakers): Data and Evidence for Policymaking
  • Presentation on the work of the JDC with focus on the Marketplace
  • Presentations on selected JDC-funded tools

Aissatou Maisha Dicko, Head, Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement

Maja Lazić, Deputy Head, Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement
Session 1b (Researchers): Preparing for the Marketplace — expectations and objectives
  • Provide a briefing to the researchers on the upcoming speed-dating session
  • Discuss approaches to ensure the event’s effectiveness

Domenico Tabasso, Senior Economist, Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement
12:00–13:00
Lunch break
13:00–14:15
Session 2: Official Opening of the Event and Keynote Introductions

Welcome and introductions: Aissatou Maisha Dicko (Head, JDC) and Claudio Delfabro (Director, Refugee Law & Migration Law Dept., IIHL)

Keynote Presentation: S.G. Ahmat Abderahim Abbo, Secretary-General for Economy, Planning & International Cooperation, Chad

Panel on Evidence for Policymaking: Experiences, perspectives, and opportunities — Moderated by Aissatou Maisha Dicko

S.G. Ahmat Abderahim Abbo

Elizabeth Eyster, Head of the Sustainable Responses Service, UNHCR

Gustavo Junger, Director of Surveys, Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics

Maria Eugenia Genoni, Lead Economist, Poverty and Equity Global Practice, World Bank
14:15–15:15
Session 3: From Evidence to Policymaking — Collaboration across Researchers, Policymakers, and Funding Bodies (Part I)

Presentation 1: Quy-Toan Do, Lead Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank

Presentation 2: Nessa Kenny, Associate Program Director for the Peace & Recovery Program, Innovation for Poverty Action
15:15–15:45
Coffee break
15:45–17:00
Session 3: From Evidence to Policymaking: Collaboration across Researchers, Policymakers, and Funding Bodies (Part II)

Panel on How to Engage in Research for Policymaking

Moderated by: Maja Lazić, Deputy Head, Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement

Panelists:

Guy Grossman, Professor of Global Politics and International Relations, University of Pennsylvania

Jackline Wahba, Professor of Economics, University of Southampton

Closing remarks: Aissatou Maisha Dicko
19:30
Official dinner

Friday, September 19
09:30–10:00
Session 4: Welcome and Overview

Welcome and recap from Day 1. Overview and expectations for Session 5.
10:00–12:00
Session 5: Rapid Consultation Rounds

A series of quick, focused consultations between researchers and policymakers enabling policymakers to present their evidence needs and researchers to propose solutions and explore potential partnerships.

All participants are expected to engage actively in these exchanges, which are key to building meaningful connections and fostering future collaboration.
12:00–13:30
Lunch break
13:30–15:00
Session 6: Deep Dive Dialogues

Following the speed dating format of the earlier session, this allows attendees to continue from earlier engagements in an informal setting and explore potential collaboration and next steps.
15:00–15:30
Coffee break
15:30–16:00
Closing of the Marketplace and Next Steps

Concluding remarks: Aissatou Maisha Dicko (Head, JDC) and Claudio Delfabro (Director, Refugee Law & Migration Law Dept., IIHL)