3rd GLOBAL FORUM ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
ATHENS
2-3 NOVEMBER 2009
INTEGRATING MIGRATION POLICIES IN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL
What is the Global Forum on Migration and Development?
The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is an annual international meeting for voluntary, non-binding and informal discussion which investigates the methods through which migration may contribute towards development goals. It was established following a proposal made to that effect by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan, in September 2006.
What is Civil Society Days?
Civil Society Days (CSD) is an international meeting of Civil Society Groups that is held in the context of the Global Forum on Migration and Development. This procedure is autonomous but also in line with the Government Forum. For this reason, Civil Society Days is held first and the Government Forum follows afterwards.
Who determines the agenda?
Every year the agenda is proposed by the Forum’s presiding country and is approved by the Steering Group and the Friends of the Forum, i.e. the participating countries.
Where has the GFMD been held to date?
The GFMD was held in Brussels in 2007 and in Manila in 2008. This year it is to be held in Athens.
Is the GFMD politically-orientated?
The Forum is an independent consultation procedure beyond any political parties and does not adopt any political stance with regard to the issues it deals with.
Civil Society Days (CSD)
Athens, 2-3 November 2009
Who organizes CSD/GFMD in Athens?
The Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation has undertaken to organize the Civil Society Days in Athens in 2009. This event is supported by the International Advisory Committee, i.e. by 21 CSD delegates from all continents, as well as the Greek Organization Committee.
What are the aims of the CSD?
200 delegates from non-governmental organizations and other Civil Society Groups will meet in Athens on 2-3 November 2009 for two days in order to exchange views on the ways migration policies adopted by countries may be integrated with their development strategies with a view to benefiting migrants, as well as, origin and destination countries.
Delegates will draw on examples from their own experiences in the field of migration and development in order to make concrete proposals that may strengthen policy making with regard to migration and development on a national, regional and international level. Certain proposals will also be put forward for short-term and mid-term measures to be taken before the next annual International Forum.
Why should the Civil Society Days concern me?
This is an event of international scope and great importance; although it does not have a determining character, it does give Civil Society Groups the rare opportunity to affect their governments when shaping their policies.
All the remarks and proposals that may arise during the Civil Society Days will be put forward to government delegates as proposals to be investigated. The government delegates will convene immediately afterwards over the next two days in the context of the International Forum on Migration and Development.
Migration and development issues that are specific to Greece cannot be singled out for separate discussion in the context of this Forum. However, your participation in the shaping of proposals to be put forward to governments can indirectly influence migration and development policies.
What issues will be discussed?
The Civil Society Days and the Governmental Forum this year have as their common overarching theme “Integrating Migration Policies in Development Strategies for the Benefit of All”. The general topic will be analyzed in roundtable discussions with the following individual issues:
> Utilizing the nexus of migration-development in order to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals
> Integration, reintegration and mobility of migrants for the benefit of development
> Political and institutional cohesion and partnerships
The agenda of the Governmental Forum and the Civil Society Days is the same so that there can be common ground for discussion. In addition, the proposals that will arise from the Civil Society Days will be centered on those issues that will be dealt with by the officials during the following two days during policy-making.
Can I attend the Civil Society Days?
The Onassis Foundation, in its capacity as organizer, has decided to grant the right of over-representation to delegates of the Greek Civil Society, i.e. to 30 organisations from Greece in addition to the 200 delegates from around the world. The 30 official delegates will be selected by the Selection Committee.
You may attend the conference provided that you submit an application to the Selection Committee for approval (this concerns Greek delegates only).
How can I submit an application to participate?
The application will be posted on www.gfmd2009.org on 14 July 2009 and must be filled in and sent back to participation-gr@gfmd2009.org until 26 August 2009. You will receive notification from 15 September 2009 onwards if selected to participate in the forum (this concerns Greek delegates only).
Can I participate in CSD/GFMD in any other way?
You may seek information through our website at www.gfmd2009.org and participate in the Online Dialogue by sending your opinion on the issues that are relevant to the forum’s agenda and are up for discussion.
In addition, you may wish to share your experiences by presenting examples of successful applications and innovative initiatives regarding Migration and Development.
All views submitted to the website will be used as feedback for the discussion that will be held during the Civil Society Days.
Where can I find more information on CSD/GFMD?
You can visit our webpage.