The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), participated in the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, held under the theme ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Human Mobility,’ alongside France – the current chair of the Forum – and Colombia – the upcoming chair.

The three-day Summit brought together over 1000 participants, including officials from members states, international organisations, academia, civil society, business, and others.

The UAE’s participation included the support in formulating a paperwork alongside the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on avenues to protect migrant workers. The UAE chaired a roundtable discussion titled ‘Work and Social and Economic Inclusion’ where speakers included His Excellency July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Her Excellency Shayma Al Awadhi, MoHRE’s Assistant Undersecretary for International Relations and Communication, and Menno Bart, Adecco Group Head of Policy Advocacy, representing the business community.

The discussions highlighted the UAE’s experience and legislation in ensuring social protection for workers, protecting their rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, and addressing the impact of climate change, where the UAE has taken a notable lead with its pledge to provide USD100 million to the most climate-affected developing countries, made while hosting the COP28 conference.

The Summit represents one of the largest and most important international platforms that provide opportunities for discussing policies, challenges, and opportunities related to development and temporary labour migration. The Forum also aims to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) and implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, which embodies the UAE’s vision and priorities by focusing on increasing international cooperation and partnerships that aim to improve the lives of people around the world.