The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) has focused on the complex and extensive interrelationship between migration and development since its first edition in 2008, including the issue of forced displacement and migration in the context of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation. In line with international commitments to reduce the adverse effects of disasters, climate change and environmental degradation on migration and displacement, France, as Chair of the 2022-2023 GFMD wishes to engage the GFMD community in a dialogue aimed at defining concrete proposals to better understand, anticipate, mitigate and prepare for displacement linked to climate change and environmental degradation, support those most vulnerable to the consequences of these hazards, as well as consider migration as a lever for adaptation.
The June GFMD Workshop has been held in Paris on 27-28 June 2023 in a hybrid format. The workshop aimed to explore key issues, including how different stakeholders can work together to bridge the gaps and foster constructive innovation in policy and science. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of context-specific approaches, ensuring inclusive progress that catersto the diverse needs of communities affected by climate change. Additionally, it examined the potential consequences of policies to ensure that solutions do not inadvertently worsen vulnerabilities or inequalities.
The second day of the event has been focusing on discussing Climate and Human Mobility over 3 roundtables. Dr. Roula Majdalani, Senior Climate Change Advisor, Director General Office, International Center on Agriculture Research in Drylands (ICARDA) and Report Coordinator of the MedECC Special Report on Environment change, conflicts and human migration, participated in the Roundtable 3: Promoting effective action: How to build multi-actor partnerships in the fields of climate change, human mobility, and sustainable development to foster social cohesion, human rights, and access to resources?
Full Agenda – Programme – Moderators and Speakers
About the Global Forum on Migration and Development
Created in 2007, the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is a state-led, informal and non-binding process, which helps shape the global debate on migration and development. It provides a flexible, multi-stakeholder space where governments can discuss the multi-dimensional aspects, opportunities and challenges related to migration, development, and the link between these two areas. The GFMD process allows governments – in partnership with civil society, the private sector, local and regional governments, youth, the UN system and other relevant stakeholders – to analyze and discuss sensitive issues, create consensus, pose innovative solutions, and share policy and practices.
The France GFMD 2022-2023 Chair has chosen “the impact of climate change on human mobility” as its overarching topic, to be addressed with a cross-cutting approach through the other thematic priorities, which include Human Rights of Migrants, Diaspora, Labour Migration, Migration Narratives and Culture, and Multi-Level Governance. The French Chair programme wish to engage all the Forum’s stakeholders, which include representatives of the GFMD Civil Society, Business and Mayor’s Mechanisms, the Migration Youth and Children Platform, the GFMD working groups and members of the Friends of the Forum. The French Chair will culminate in a high-level Summit on 22-26 January 2024 in Geneva. The Summit will bring together delegations from many countries and stakeholders of the GFMD to discuss the major challenges for the future and perspectives for safer, more orderly and regular migrations and to foster sustainable development for all.