14th Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), chaired by France [fr]
Since 1 July 2022, France has chaired the GFMD on the central theme of “the impact of climate change on human mobility”. France is organizing the 14th GFMD Summit in Geneva from 23 to 25 January 2024 – the culmination of its Chairmanship and an opportunity to review discussions held regarding the link between migration and development.
Migration and development: interlinked priorities of international interest
Migration is made up of multiple shifting trends affecting countries of origin, transit and destination. The migration-development nexus demonstrates the interconnection between both themes, while questioning both the impact of development policies on migration and the impact of migration on economic, social and cultural development.
The GFMD plays a central role in international negotiations related to migration and development; through the events it regularly organizes, it encourages the exchange of ideas and best practices, and designs tangible and lasting solutions to global challenges.
The work of the GFMD comes on top of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted under the aegis of the United Nations in Marrakesh in 2018. The Forum also works in concertation with various multilateral initiatives regarding migration, at the intersection of the relevant international agendas.
What is the GFMD?
The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) was founded in 2007 at the initiative of the former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the aim of creating a specific space for discussing these subjects.
As a unique forum for multilateral and sector-specific dialogue on these subjects, the GFMD brings together all governmental and non-governmental stakeholders at the local, national and regional levels.
Priority topics of the French Chairmanship of the 2022 2023 GFMD
France has held the rotating Chairmanship of the GFMD since 1 July 2022, and will chair the 14th Summit. It has committed to governance that is both inclusive and proactive and that can open up and develop dialogue on the contemporary challenges of human mobility.
The French Chairmanship was therefore structured around two innovative focuses:
- discussing the effects of climate change on human mobility; and
- highlighting the cultural heritage acquired through migration.
A cross-cutting approach was used to examine these focuses, taking into account the other thematic priorities of the French programme: protection of the rights of migrants; diasporas; labour migration; links between migration and culture and discourse surrounding migration; and multi-level governance of migration.
Priority topics of the French Chairmanship
Priority 1: Rights and migration: working to ensure the health, safety and rights of migrants
Priority 2: Diasporas: actors of economic, social and cultural development of regions
Priority 3: Labour migration: promoting the economic inclusion of migrants
Priority 4: Improving the perception of migration in public opinion through narratives, culture, emotion and rational discourse
Priority 5: Multi-level governance: bringing together the various stakeholders for improved migration management
The January 2024 Summit, the culmination of the French Chairmanship
The Summit is the culmination and final event of the French Chairmanship. It will take place in Geneva in January 2024 and look back at discussions held regarding the migration development nexus. It will bring together more than 100 States, as well as players in civil society and the private sector, local government bodies and representatives of young people.
In this high-level setting, six themed round tables chaired by States will stimulate tangible progress towards the priorities chosen by France. Leading up to the Summit, the French mandate will feature special events, preparatory meetings and technical workshops.