The seventh meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) underscored the role of migration in the post-2015 development agenda, and the need to empower migrants.
The Government of Sweden, as chair of the GFMD, hosted the meeting in Stockholm from 14-16 May 2014, which brought together around 900 participants from government and civil society, representing 150 countries.
16 May 2014: The seventh meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) underscored the role of migration in the post-2015 development agenda, and the need to empower migrants. The Government of Sweden, as chair of the GFMD, hosted the meeting in Stockholm from 14-16 May 2014, which brought together around 900 participants from government and civil society, representing 150 countries.
In opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern about a number of migration-related issues, including the administrative detention of child migrants. He recalled the Declaration adopted in 2013 at the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, and emphasized that the international community is entering a critical time for migration as UN Member States are finalizing their report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He looked forward to GFMD’s continuing efforts under the incoming chairmanship of Turkey.
GFMD Chair Eva Åkerman-Börje summarized the discussions, noting that migration must be included in the post-2015 development agenda as a basis for promoting international partnerships and policies that facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration. Responding to civil society concerns about violations of migrants’ rights, she highlighted the GFMD’s focus on empowering migrants through policies and procedures that promote their access to legal protection, education and health care. She described GFMD’s work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Organization of Employers on an informal, non-binding ethical recruitment system to help governments and recruitment companies protect workers from abuse.
Åkerman-Börje also announced the formation of a Nordic Working Group on Migration and Development, which was launched at the GFMD.
GFMD is an initiative by UN Member States to address the connections between migration and development. It first convened in 2007. [GFMD Website] [UN Secretary-General’s Remarks] [GFMD Chair’s Remarks] [IISD RS Coverage of High-Level Dialogue on Migration and Development]