Global Refugee Forum

One year after the historic affirmation of the Global Compact on Refugees, the first Global Refugee Forum is a critical opportunity to build momentum towards achieving the objectives of this new commitment and strengthen our collective response to refugee situations.

The Global Compact on Refugees is a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognising that a sustainable solution to refugee situations cannot be achieved without international cooperation.
Its four key objectives are to;

a) ease pressures on host countries;

b) enhance refugee self-reliance;

c) expand access to third-country solutions; and

d) support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.

The Global Refugee Forum, convened at the ministerial level, is a unique occasion for UN Member States and other stakeholders to:

• Deliver concrete pledges and contributions that will advance the objectives of the Global Compact and achieve tangible benefits for refugees and host communities. Contributions may take the form of financial, material, and technical assistance; resettlement places and complementary pathways for admission to third countries; as well as other actions that States have elected to take at the national level. Contributions can be made either individually or jointly with other actors.
• Highlight key achievements and exchange good practices, both with respect to specific country or regional situations, as well as on a global level. The exchange of innovative, action-oriented, and sustainable good practices will support the international community in developing forward-looking and impactful contributions that will transform the lives of refugees and their host communities.

The first Global Refugee Forum, which will take place on 16 (Advance Session), 17 and 18 December 2019 (High-Level Session) in Geneva, Switzerland, will focus on the following areas: arrangements for burden and responsibility-sharing, education, jobs and livelihoods, energy and infrastructure, solutions, and protection capacity.

If you have questions or comments about the Global Refugee Forum, please contact the Global Refugee Forum Coordination Team at hqgrf@unhcr.org. We welcome your feedback.