Global Refugee Forum 2023 13-15 December in Geneva
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 will take place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 11 December onwards.
Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It is designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin. It provides the opportunity for States and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The 2023 Forum is co-convened by five States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.
❌ We can’t overcome the world's challenges alone.
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) December 11, 2023
✊ We need to be on this journey together.
This week’s Global #RefugeeForum needs everyone involved to answer the challenge. Thank you to our wonderful Goodwill Ambassadors, some refugees themselves, for your solidarity. pic.twitter.com/ElzIGXcnDE
Programme
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 Official Programme includes the plenary session, parallel high-level events and linked events.
The plenary session and high-level parallel events will take place at the Palexpo in Geneva Switzerland from 13 to 15 December. Official linked events are being held in a range of locations across Geneva from 11 December onwards.
Check the full programme here!
Joint Pledge on Sport for Inclusion and Protection
The Joint Pledge on Sport for Inclusion and Protection, facilitated by the Sport for Refugees Coalition (SfRC) presents a refreshed look at the role that sport can play in refugee responses ahead of the Global Refugee Forum in December 2023. The pledge, developed by a reference group of actors from many sectors engaging with sport and refugees in different ways, is born out of the belief that sport can, and does, make a valuable contribution in displacement contexts.
Everyone within the sport ecosystem has a role to play in improving the lives of refugees and host communities – and together we can achieve far more. For this reason, everyone – from grassroots sports organizations through to national and international organizations – are invited to join the Joint Pledge on Sport.
You can download the Pledge here!
International Migrants Day
Every year on 18th December, the world marks International Migrants Day, a day set aside to recognize the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face. Migrants and displaced people represent some of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society. Migrants have proven to be a source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development to countries of origin, transit, and host countries.
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) offers the opportunity and guidance to actualize human mobility and seize the opportunities it presents.
Check the #Morethanfootball Action Day dedicated to Refugees & Social Inclusion last March!