UAE Participates In Preparatory Meetings For Global Forum On Migration And Development In Geneva

The UAE recently took part in the initial preparatory meeting for the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) 2024-2025. This event was held in Geneva, with Colombia leading the Chairship, alongside France. The UAE delegation was led by Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh, who emphasised the nation's dedication to supporting the Forum's objectives.

Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh, representing the UAE at the GFMD Steering Committee meeting, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in tackling migration issues. He stated, "The UAE fully supports Colombia’s vision for its Chairship of the GFMD for the 2024-2025 term, which reflects the Forum’s firm commitment to strengthening international migration governance policies, fostering constructive dialogue on migration and development, and promoting an inclusive and effective approach to advancing the wellbeing of communities worldwide."

The meeting addressed various challenges and opportunities linked to regular migration and temporary labour mobility. These aspects are seen as vital for development and community wellbeing. Other significant topics for 2024-2025 include women's influence on global migration and development and how media and culture can reshape global perceptions of migration.

Participants also examined ways to boost regional cooperation to ensure safe and orderly migration aimed at development. They stressed improving migration management, pathways, and related subjects. The discussions aimed at finding innovative solutions to shared migration challenges while supporting sustainable policies that aid international development.

The UAE has been actively involved in GFMD activities since 2008 through its Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). In 2020, it assumed the Chairship with a vision focused on enhancing government cooperation regarding labour mobility. This aligns with the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, a key regional platform for communication between countries sending and receiving labour in Asia.

This engagement promotes sharing innovative initiatives to improve workers' wellbeing within a thriving business community. It aims to maximise benefits from labour mobility for member states' economies by regulating labour markets effectively through bilateral and regional cooperation.

Pathway to Future Discussions

The Geneva meeting is one of three preparatory sessions planned as part of the GFMD 2024-2025 agenda. Insights from this gathering will help prepare documents and working papers for discussion at the 15th GFMD Summit. These meetings pave the way for ongoing dialogue on shared migration challenges.

The UAE's commitment underlines its support for Colombia's vision during its Chairship term. By fostering constructive dialogue on migration and development, it aims to promote an inclusive approach that enhances community wellbeing globally.

With inputs from WAM