Morocco Takes Part in Global Gathering on Refugees in Geneva
A delegation, led by Minister Delegate for Moroccans abroad, Mrs. Nezha El Ouafi, is taking part in the 1st ever Global Refugee Forum which opened Monday in Geneva to discuss new approaches and long-term commitments to help refugees and host countries build better common future.
The three-day gathering is bringing together refugees, heads of state and government, UN leaders, international institutions, development organizations, business leaders and civil society representatives.
“We are emerging from a decade of displacement during which refugee numbers have surged,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
“This week, at the first ever Global Refugee Forum, we must focus our efforts in the coming decade on building upon what we have learned and committing action to support refugees and the countries and communities hosting them. This Forum is an opportunity to attest our collective commitment to the Global Compact on Refugees and rally behind the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind.”
Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees, the Global Refugee Forum is an opportunity to translate the principle of international responsibility-sharing into concrete action. The Forum will showcase impactful pledges and contributions and the exchange of good practices.
The Global Compact on Refugees paves the way for everyone to take responsibility and play a role, including all levels of government, the private sector, development agencies and financial institutions, civil society, faith groups, and refugees themselves.
The debates are expected to focus on financial, technical, and material assistance; legal and policy changes to enable greater inclusion of refugees in society; resettlement places, and the safe return for refugees as part of solutions.
Participants will also examine how humanitarian and development responses can complement one another. Over 30 organizations, including multinationals, law firms, private foundations and SMEs have announced pledges worth more than $ 250 million to support education opportunities, training and creating jobs for refugees.
Other pledges are related to business development services, investment in refugee-led companies, innovative financing, cash assistance, and access to clean and safe energy.
The first Global Refugee Forum comes at the end of a tumultuous decade in which the number of refugees has risen to over 25 million people worldwide.
