[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Excellencies, colleagues, friends,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is my honor to send this message, as you take this important step in the intergovernmental consultations on the progress declaration. This is to be the key indicator of a successful International Migration Review Forum. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The adoption of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration <\/span>remains <\/span>a milestone achievement within global efforts to establish effective and just migration policies.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Such efforts are especially critical now, in the wake of a pandemic and conflicts that have both illustrated and compounded the vulnerabilities faced by migrants.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The cost of excluding migrants has never been clearer, and we have a responsibility to protect their fundamental rights and include them in our recovery efforts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As we begin these consultations, all Member States have a shared responsibility to set ambitious precedents. We must work together, and acknowledge that piecemeal and unilateral efforts are not sufficient to address migration challenges in all their dimensions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, we have in our hands a historic opportunity to strengthen multilateralism through pursuing a common cause – achieving humane, safe, orderly, and regular migration, that benefits migrants and host communities alike.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In these endeavors, I place my full confidence in the work and leadership of the co-facilitators, who have thus far consulted inclusively and transparently with all stakeholders in shaping the content of the zero-draft.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I urge delegations to engage constructively in the process, and to pursue coherent policies with strong commitments to uphold the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Migration has always been a part of the human experience. It has been a source of cultural enrichment, innovation, and sustainable development.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In today\u2019s globalized world, these benefits can be amplified by improving migration governance. A comprehensive and action-oriented progress declaration has the potential to lead us down this path.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Colleagues,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The progress declaration of this first IMRF will set important precedents and shape the tone and tenor of subsequent forums. Most importantly it will impact the lives of migrants and communities in countries of origin, transit, and destination alike.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I encourage delegations to work together in the spirit of compromise and solidarity. And I encourage you <\/span>to always keep sight of our long-term vision, one in which migration is always an informed choice, rather than a desperate necessity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Thank you. And I wish you all a very robust discussion.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Special Meeting of the ECOSOC: Natural Resources, Peaceful Societies and Sustainable Development: Lessons from the Kimberley Process<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[866,550,556,863,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-261791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-discrimination","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-racism","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n