Secretary-General, in Message to Global Forum on Migration and Development,

 

Calls for Reaffirmation of Migrants’ Role in Strengthening World Economy

 

(Delayed in transmission.)

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, to the Global Forum on Migration and Development, in Puerto Vallarta, 8 November:

I am pleased to convey my greetings to the Global Forum on Migration and Development.  I commend the Government of Mexico for hosting this year’s event.

You meet as the world economy remains in a fragile recovery.  The effects of the multiple crises of 2008 are still being felt, not least by the 214 million international migrants.  Rising unemployment among natives and international migrants has spurred discrimination.  The politics of xenophobia is on the rise.  For millions of international migrants, life has become more treacherous.

As a process for constructive dialogue and consultation, the Global Forum on Migration and Development has never been more important.  Your theme of “Partnerships for Migration and Human Development:  Shared Prosperity and Shared Responsibility” aptly highlights the need to reach mutually agreeable arrangements among stakeholders to maximize the developmental benefits of international migration.

Migration is more likely to benefit all stakeholders when it is safe, legal and orderly.  Yet the opportunities for regular migration have diminished.  That is why, especially in these difficult times, the fundamental role that migrants play in strengthening the global economy must be reaffirmed.

Migrants have proven to be an asset for countries of destination, contributing not only their hard work and creativity, but also their entrepreneurial spirit.  The mobility of people reduces labour-market imbalances, promotes the exchange of expertise and ideas and allows for the training of younger generations.

In countries of origin, migrants’ remittances improve the standards of living of the families they leave behind, and their collective remittances support development.  Although remittances to low- and middle-income countries fell by 6 per cent, the $316 billion migrants sent home in 2009 boosted the economic resilience of those countries.

Because of its role in fighting poverty, countries of origin are increasingly including migration in their poverty-reduction strategies.  These countries are also expanding efforts to protect their citizens while abroad, and facilitating their return and reintegration.

Donor countries are promoting the role of expatriate communities in supporting development in countries of origin.  About a quarter of a billion dollars are being channelled to multilateral projects on migration and development.

These efforts and many others show that international migration can spread prosperity if nurtured with the right policies.  We are all responsible for maintaining the positive momentum generated by the Global Forum and its associated civil society gatherings.  The United Nations system and, in particular, the Global Migration Group, are ready to continue following up and implementing the outcomes of the Forum.

We look forward to the contributions that the Forum process will make to the 2013 High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development.  Migration is extraordinarily complex.  Finding smart solutions requires constant experimentation in an environment of trust.  This is what the Forum is aiming to build.

I wish you every success in your deliberations.

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For information media • not an official record