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20 May 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies, colleagues, friends,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I thank everyone who participated in this inaugural International Migration Review Forum. The diversity, richness, and liveliness of our discussions over the week has been an enriching experience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My sincere appreciation to everyone who responded to my call to include representatives of various ministries, sectors, local authorities, and stakeholders in their delegations. This was critical to reflect the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach we continue to advocate for.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I am especially grateful for the participation of migrants themselves. Their perspectives must always be at the center of discussions that concern their future and well-being.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five months before the forum, on December 10th, 2021, we launched the \u201cpledging initiative\u201d, together with the UN Network on Migration. I am thrilled by its concrete outcomes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n More than 200 pledges have now been made to foster the implementation of the 23 objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. 25 Member States have made over 100 pledges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pledges are not just financial. They include technical, legislative and policy commitments in terms of regularization; the collection,<\/p>\n and dissemination of data; ending child-detention; supporting national implementation plans; and enhancing access to services, among others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There were also innovative pledges reflecting the linkages between climate change and mobility. This included mainstreaming migration issues in climate action, investing in renewable energy, and implementing efficient energy grids for schools located in provinces where most migrants live.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to this, Member States have announced additional contributions for more than 400 million US dollars to the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reflecting the integral role played by cities and local communities, mayors from different regions presented 70 local actions that make a tangible difference in the lives of migrants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These pledges go far beyond symbolism and will support solutions that will substantially benefit the lives of migrants and host-communities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies<\/p>\n <\/p>\n During this week, we have continued to reiterate that the Global Compact for Migration is rooted in, and will help us achieve, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. And we have highlighted it as our roadmap to achieve good migration governance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I am heartened by all the examples that governments have shared of their progress in meeting various objectives, and of their approaches to implementing the compact in a manner that addresses the impacts of COVID-19.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I also appreciate the honest reflections regarding present gaps, shortcomings and future challenges in the round tables and the policy debate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This assessment will guide us, as we seek to implement more effective governance going forward, while addressing challenges by migrants. Challenges that include saving lives, negative narratives, discrimination, the lack of regular pathways, exploitation by smuggling networks, and many others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These are critical issues that affect the safety of both migrants and host-communities. It is our responsibility to address them. In the powerful words of one panelist, every single person deserves to know that they are safe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The IMRF is the only high-level meeting envisioned to mobilize collective action to harness the benefits of safe, orderly, and regular migration, while addressing risks and challenges faced in countries of origin, transit, and destination, and during migrant journeys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is up to us to deliver on our promises by the time we meet again in four years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The adoption of the Progress Declaration is a landmark decision that reaffirms the Global Compact as the only comprehensive and sufficiently ambitious framework for international migration governance. It is designed to holistically improve the well-being of both migrants and host-communities. [The fact that the Declaration has been adopted by consensus, is yet another\u00a0indication of the collective will, and intention of the international community around the implementation of the Global Compact, and to tackle the challenges around migration]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Progress Declaration lays out actions to accelerate the implementation of the Global Compact and to strengthen cooperation on international migration, while building on best-practices, including those that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration is the result of an inclusive, open, and transparent process which included extensive consultations with Member States, relevant stakeholders, and UN entities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I commend the work done by the co-facilitators, including Her Excellency Ms. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of the People\u2019s Republic of Bangladesh; and His Excellency, Mr. Olivier Maes, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Excellencies,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As we now strive to recover from the pandemic, we have the option to rethink and reshape how we manage migration. Going forward, we must prioritize equitable policies, that uphold human rights for everyone involved. To succeed, we must build on the momentum of this forum and strengthen our partnerships.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The fact that so many of us have come here, representing so many different institutions, governments, organizations, and stakeholders, is testimony that it is possible to make progress through our solidarity and conviction. If anything, I hope that this is one of the key takeaways from this forum.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In conclusion, I thank all of you for the strong level of your engagement. I thank the Director General of IOM and the Coordinator for the UN Network on Migration, and his entire team for the excellent cooperation in organizing this very successful inaugural International Migration Review Forum.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A special thanks to my team and the UN Secretariat for their hard work throughout this week and in the weeks leading up to this day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Thank you and I wish you a pleasant evening.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" United Nations General Assembly, New York<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the UN and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-265962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n