The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is a state-led (but not states-only), voluntary process dedicated to informal, non-binding and outcomes-oriented dialogue. Policymakers and stakeholders from many countries all over the world participate in various GFMD meetings, in particular a large annual GFMD convening, to discuss the relation between migration and development, share experiences and forge practical cooperation.
GFMD directly engages civil society partners, including migrant and diaspora organizations, human rights and development groups, labour unions, and members of the academic community and the private sector. Civil society partners are invited to provide input and make recommendations and concrete proposals. To this end Civil Society Days (CSD) are organized prior to the annual meeting of governments.
This year at the invitation of the Mauritian GFMD Chair 2012, ICMC continues to serve as the Coordinating Office for GFMD-related civil society activities. Working with civil society partners worldwide, the Coordinating Office has taken up the challenge to fundraise for and to help organize activities of civil society within the processes of the 2012 GFMD towards the UN High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development in 2013 and beyond, with the following objectives:
- to reinforce a global civil society network of migrant rights and development leaders, to further develop and implement the recommendations made in 2011
- to continue forging meaningful and constructive dialogue with governments.
- to achieve a broader, more sustainable and multi-annual resource base, adequate to
- expand civil society follow up and preparation capacity between GFMD meetings; and
- increase participation of migrant, diaspora and grassroots groups and organizations from developing countries.
The Civil Society Days of the 2012 Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) will take place on 19 and 20 November in Mauritius. A shared session with government and civil society representatives is scheduled for the morning of the 21st of November.
- Application to the Civil Society Days 2012 is open to all sectors of civil society, including diaspora and migrant organizations, human rights and development groups, labour unions and representatives from academia and the private sector.
- In addition, a smaller number of observers, governments and special guests are welcome by invitation only. Invitations will be sent over the summer. Media representatives can apply for accreditation to the Civil Society Days at a later stage.
- There will be 150 – 200 civil society delegates. As in all prior years, if more people apply, there will be a selection process supervised by the Civil Society Coordinating Office and the International Advisory Committee to ensure inclusive and diverse participation, taking into account sectoral, geographic, and gender diversity, broad constituency and relevant experience and knowledge on migration and development issues.
- Per organization only one application will be accepted.
Application deadline: 15 June 2012
For more information, visit this link.
