Countdown to the Civil Society Days of the 2015 GFMD in Istanbul

The 2015 Civil Society Days of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) will be held on 12-13 October 2015, follow by Common Space with civil society and governments on 14 October and the GFMD Government Summit on 15-16 October.

This year’s GFMD takes place during turbulent time for migration, migrants and families, and those of us working alongside, with and for them. As violence, natural disasters and political turmoil continue across the world, the world is experiencing the largest displacement of people since the Second World War. Seeking new solutions and response to welcome, support, protect and advocate for migrants and refugees will be central to this year’s GFMD Society Days.

At the same time, the GFMD takes place only two weeks after the adoption of the new 2030 Development Agenda by the UN General Assembly, which include the recognition that the well-being, empowerment and human rights of migrants are key to development. How these goals can really benefit the currently estimated 247+ million migrants and communities around the work will also be central to this year’s GFMD Civil Society Days.

Participation

This year, the GFMD Civil Society Programme will bring together more than 300 global civil society leaders, selected by an International Steering Committee out of a pool of more than 800 applications from over 150 countries. There will be debates and special events devoted to topics high on the agenda such as:

• Safe migration: root causes, route choices and alternatives for forced and dangerous migration
• Protection and durable solutions for Syrian refugees
• The newly-adopted UN Sustainable Development Goals and what they  will mean for migration and migrants
• Migrant and diaspora action for job creation and social entrepreneurship
• Reforming migrant workers recruitment and employment practices
• Xenophobia and social inclusion

For more information you can download:

1) 2015 GFMD Civil Society Concept Note

2) The draft GFMD Civil Society programme (as of 30 September 2015) 

3) Civil Society Coordinating Office Report to the 7^th meeting of the Friends of the Forum

A special edition of the MADE newsletter dedicated to the GFMD programme, speakers, Chairs and more will be issued by 7 October 2015.

Check out the GFMD Civil Society website for continuous updates on programme and practical information