Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD)

GFMD 2013-2014 Advocates the Inclusion of Migration in Post-2015 Development Agenda

Swedish Chair Convenes 1st Thematic Meeting on Policy Coherence for Development

Geneva – 28 May 2013. On 22 May 2013, the Government of Sweden, current GFMD 2013-2014 Chair-in-Office, joined by the Governments of Switzerland and Bangladesh, convened a thematic meeting on “Operationalizing Mainstreaming of Migration in Development Policy and Integrating Migration in the Post-2015 UN Development Agenda.” Around 140 policy-makers, government officials and representatives from international organizations and civil society met in Geneva to explore modalities for the inclusion of migration in the Post-2015 Development Agenda and share national experiences and lessons learned in operationalizing the mainstreaming of migration in key development analysis and planning.

Swedish GFMD 2013-2014 Concept Paper Endorsed by the GFMD Steering Group and Friends of the Forum

Geneva – 30 May 2013. At the 2nd meeting this year of the GFMD Steering Group held in the morning of 21 May,  Amb. Åkerman Börje consulted with over 50 delegates from 26 Steering Group member countries on strategic and policy matters. The Chair presented an updated GFMD Budget for 2013-2014, highlighting a 3% overall reduction in costs. She expressed gratitude to governments that have offered pledges and new contributions to the process, as well as those who agreed to realign left-over balances from the GFMD 2012 budget.  She challenged Steering Group members to give strategic inputs on the proposed long-term financing framework in order to create a more durable forum. All steering group members welcomed the discussion on this issue and there was a very rich debate which will be included as the work with a more predictable financing framework continues. In this regard, Mr. Peter Sutherland, UNSG Special Representative for Migration and Development, reiterated the importance of predictability and financial security to sustain the process.