Business takes centre stage at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit in Geneva

Under the theme "From environmental concerns to cultural aspects of migration", the Summit concluded in Geneva after three days of extensive debates with the business sector actively participating through the Business Advisory Group on Migration (hosted at the IOE) and a committed business delegation.

?? At the opening ceremony, Adv. Lindiwe Sephomolo , Chair of IOE Policy Working Group on Migration, called on governments to set up legal frameworks that are conducive to responsible recruitment, protect vulnerable workers, help create a level playing field for the recruitment industry and provide the necessary assurances to responsible employers. "Let us all collaborate closely with governments to combat the corrosive narrative surrounding migration.", she added.

As a key stakeholder, the Business Advisory Group on Migration, acting as the Business Mechanism, ensured the voice of business was heard through pivotal events:

?? Global competition for talent – all skills included – in the new world of work: Governments and the private sector engaged in insightful discussions on migration priorities. Reports on "Digital Nomads and Hybrid Work," "Engaging with Employers in Skills Mobility Partnerships," and "Green Borders: Climate Change and Business Mobility" were launched to shape business contributions to the Summit.

?? Two significant side events: One co-hosted with the International Labour Organization and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on "Maximising the social and economic opportunities of labour mobility for a just transition," and another organised with IOM - UN Migration , Enabel , AFFORD UK , 世界银行 , OECD - OCDE , Center for Global Development, Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP), and sponsored by the Government of Belgium and Australia on "The Workforce for the Future: International Skills Partnerships for the Green and Just Transition."

?? Business delegates actively participated in Government-led roundtables, the Marketplace of Ideas, and showcased their presence with a dedicated booth.

?? The Summit's highlight for the business community was the 4th edition of the Migration Challenge start-up competition, featuring tech-driven companies innovating ways to facilitate labour migration. The 10 finalists pitched for the prize in front of the jury and the GFMD audiences and had the opportunity to showcase their work in the Tech Garden. Discover more about the winner and runners-up here: https://bit.ly/MigrationChallengeWinner2024

?? The Business Advisory Group on Migration and IOE express gratitude to all delegates, colleagues, and GFMD participants for their support and collaboration. Let’s continue the conversation as we step into 2024!

?? Check out all the memorable moments here: https://bit.ly/BizatGFMD14

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