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Global Migration Group (GMG) Presentation at the 48 th session of the UNITAR Board of Trustees Meeting. 12 – 13 November 2009. A little history. 1994: Program of Action formulated by International Conference on Population and Development
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Global Migration Group (GMG) Presentationat the 48th session of the UNITAR Board of Trustees Meeting 12 – 13 November 2009
A little history • 1994: Program of Action formulated by International Conference on Population and Development • 2002: Doyle Commission - how to Strengthen the UN’s Role on Migration Issues • December 2003: Global Commission on International Migration (Brazil, Morocco, Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland + 14 others) • 2006: GMG established in response to recommendation from GCIM • Inter-agency coordinating mechanism • Principals level (Heads of Agencies) and technical level (Focal Points working group) • 6 month rotating chairmanship • 2007: First Global Forum on Migration and Development • 2007: UNITAR GMG membership. • Why? Among the 1st to offer training (400 beneficiaries/year from 35 countries), policy discussions, body of knowledge.
What does the GMG do? • What does the GMG do? • Exchange information and expertise to improve inter- agency cooperation on migration issues • Develop compendia of its members’ work and experience, showcasing effective policies and practices • Produce joint outputs: GMG publication on Migration and Human Rights, GMG Fact Sheets on the Impacts of the global economic crisis on international migration • Contribute to major international initiatives (HLD, GFMD)
UNITAR and the GMG • UNITAR Leadership of GMG • GMG “leadership crisis” in early 2009 • Heads of major GMG agencies call on UNITAR to assume chairmanship • UNITAR starts chairmanship on 1 June 2009, supported by NY-GVA based team of four • UNITAR raises US$ 50,000 in support from the MacArthur Foundation
GMG Challenges • Assessment: The Challenges • Little interest and commitment by GMG Principals due to: • Excessive focus on procedural issues and GFMD process. • Discrepancies in terms of agency involvement (capacities, expertise, resources) in migration issues. • Lack of political support from Member States, criticism from SRSG. • Convoluted mandate (ToRs) without clear focus. • No independent resource base and institutional support structure. • Result: Lack of joint vision and little GMG visibility
Challenges Foster a sense of purpose within the Group UNITAR’s Vision Adopt clear rules of engagement Enhance GMG voice and visibility
Strategy • Fostering a sense of purpose • Engagement of Principals around the substantive focus on the impacts of the economic crisis on migration • GMG Principals Retreat • Held on 9 October 2009 in Menthon Saint-Bernard • 8 Principals + all members at observer level • Show of commitment + call for “clever” leadership • Discussion on migration and the economic crisis • Strategic outlook at engagement with inter-governmental fora and other stakeholders • Endorsement of working methods and joint outputs
Strategy • Fostering a sense of purpose Identifying GMG Priorities no. 1 priority: Exchange information to improve inter-agency cooperation. no. 2 priority: Collaborate on research, data collection and analysis. no. 3 priority: Establish a comprehensive and coherent approach to international migration. no. 4 priority: Strengthen a principled approach to migration governance and management. no. 5 priority: Contribute to major initiatives of GMG members and the international community. no. 6 priority:Identifying critical issues and best practices related to international migration and development.
Strategy • Adopting clear rules of engagement • Creation and adoption of an annual workplan • Coordination between successive chairmanships through Troika of chairs • Clearly defined responsibilities of the chair and the members of the Group • Closer relationship with the SRSG • One annual Principals Retreat, only high-level participation
Strategy • Enhancing GMG voice and visibility • GMG participation in GFMD III • Joint statement in the opening Magna session • Joint press conference in Athens • Fact Sheets on migration and the economic crisis • Revamped website: www.globalmigrationgroup.org
Outlook • Next steps • Close collaboration with UNDP on: • Implementation of Workplan in 2010 • Joint public conference in 2010 • Communication strategy for the GMG • Dissemination of the 2009 HDR messages • Further coordination in the context of GFMD IV