The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Second Preparatory Meeting – Colombia Chairship 2024-2025
February 19, 2025 12:00 am — 11:59 pm Timezone: Europe/Berlin

The idea of creating a global consultative forum on migration and development was proposed by Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN-Secretary-General, during the High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development (HLD) at the 2006 UN General Assembly. Over 140 Member States discussed the relevance of migration for development and recognized the need for a dedicated platform at the global level, as no single forum existed at the time to bring together policy makers to discuss the contribution of migration to development.

Reflecting an acknowledgment at the international level of the limits of a strictly national approach to migration, widespread support emerged to establish an informal, non-binding, state-led dialogue to promote the exchange of practices and foster cooperation among governments. With time, the Forum has become increasingly open as a dialogue space engaging a multiplicity of stakeholders including civil society, business, mayors, youth and academia.

Troika, Steering Group, Friends of the Forum convened in Geneva 3 times in the lead up to the Summit.

Preparatory meetings help set the agenda and engage states and observers around the thematic priorities at the centre of the program.

All preparatory meetings are held both in-person and online.