Update on the 2012 Global Forum on Migration and Development

Recognizing the value that migrant populations can bring to development efforts in their countries of origin, the United Nations Member States initiated the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), with its first meeting in 2007, to address the links between migration and development in practical and action-oriented ways. The GFMD provides a setting in which governments can discuss lessons learned, best practices, and challenges and opportunities presented by the growing nexus of migration and development, with each other and members of civil society.

To prepare the GFMD 2012 meetings, the Government of Mauritius, the chair of 2012’s process, has embarked on a consensual and collective thinking process with other governments and partners to set the thematic program for 2012, in part built on the outcomes and achievements of previous meetings. This consultation process included a survey of Friends of the Forum in December 2011, two brainstorming meetings in Mauritius in January and June 2012, and the opportunity for all Friends to comment on the draft concept paper. Mauritius’ aim in 2012 is that the Forum can help enhance the contribution of migration to the development of migrants, communities, and states.

This discussion includes a status of preparation of the 2012 GFMD summit, including a discussion on the possible ideas and projects being contemplated that would fully integrate migration into the development framework, with a special focus on Africa.