Hundreds of participants are engaging at the ongoing Global Refugee Forum 2023 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland (13-15 December).
The Forum, held every four years, brings together decision-makers and stakeholders from around the globe – including refugees themselves – to find solutions and pledge action for the world’s refugees and the countries and communities hosting them.
Christine Schraner Burgener, Switzerland’s State Secretary for Migration, welcomed delegates on Wednesday at the forum co-hosted along with UNHCR.
She noted that the number of people seeking international protection across the world continued to rise as the world faced “a multiplication of crises and instability”.
This was “catastrophic” for the people and regions directly affected and posed major challenges for the international community.
“These challenges can only be met if all stakeholders, public and private, take on their role in hosting and caring for these people,” Schraner Burgener said.
“It is high time to strengthen international cooperation and broaden the support base – the financial base in particular.”
She called the GRF “a unique opportunity” to face up to the challenges of displacement and to create lasting and effective partnerships.
“We hope the spirit of cooperation will triumph over the next three days.”
About the Global Refugee Forum
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 takes place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 11 December onwards.
Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees.
It is designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin.
It provides the opportunity for States and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The 2023 Forum is co-convened by five States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.
