Regional Consultation on International Migration and Development in the Arab Region

In October 2013, the United Nations General Assembly will hold its second High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, which will focus on the theme of “Identifying concrete measures to strengthen coherence and cooperation at all levels, with a view to enhancing the benefits of international migration for migrants and countries alike and its important links to development, while reducing its negative implications”. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the League of Arab States (LAS), recognizing the importance and specific contribution of international migration for development in the Arab region, the potential benefits that Arab experiences can bring to the High-Level Dialogue’s deliberations and the consequent importance of ensuring Arab countries are able to make their voices heard at this important event, have decided to seize this opportunity to organize a two-day Regional Consultative Meeting (RCM) on International Migration and Development from 4-5 June 2013.

The RCM will be a two day-long participatory, consultative process, engaging Government officials from Arab countries to come to common understandings on current and future migration and development challenges and opportunities, and the actions required at the national, regional and global levels to maximize the benefits and minimize the potential negative impacts of migratory trends. Civil society actors, academics, and international organizations will provide expert support and help guide the discussions. An outcome statement will be agreed by participants at the RCM to be presented during the plenary session of the High-Level Dialogue in New York.