2 May 2013
UN Prepares for High-level Dialogue on Migration and Development
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The Office of the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) briefed Member States on preparations for the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development to take place during its 68th session, focusing on the format and content of a preparatory panel discussion that will discuss emerging migration trends and the relationship between migration and development; and measures to promote safe, orderly and legal migration.

United Nations29 April 2013: The Office of the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has issued a draft concept note on preparations for the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, which will convene in October 2013.

According to the note, the UNGA will hold a preparatory panel discussion in June 2013 to: consider progress in the global migration debate since the 2006 High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Development; propose recommendations for the High-Level Dialogue and its follow-up, including by integrating migration into the post-2015 development agenda; and provide fresh perspectives on the future of migration and its relation with development. Specific panel topics will include: emerging migration trends and the relationship between migration and development; and measures to promote safe, orderly and legal migration.

Other preparations for the High-Level Dialogue include one-day informal interactive hearings with NGOs, civil society and the private sector on 15 July; and regional meetings organized by the UN regional commissions. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) are supporting the preparatory work.

The UNGA agreed to hold the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (A/67/219) to “identify concrete measures to strengthen coherence and cooperation at all levels, with a view to enhancing the benefits of international migration for migrants and countries alike and its important link to development, while reducing its negative implications.” The two-day event, on 3-4 October 2013, will address: the effects of international migration on sustainable development, and relevant priorities for the post-2015 development framework; measures to respect and protect the human rights of migrants, prevent human trafficking, and ensure orderly, regular and safe migration; partnerships and cooperation; and labor mobility. [Draft Concept Note] [High-Level Dialogue Website] [Timetable of preparatory events]


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