On 01-02 December 2011, Switzerland welcomed over 700 representatives from 162 UN Member States, 37 GFMD Observers, and varied civil society groups for the Global Forum on Migration and Development 2011 Concluding Debate.

During the opening ceremony, the Chair of the GFMD 2011 Civil Society Days held in Geneva on 29-30 November, delivered the Statement of the Civil Society Days. The statement outlined the key points that were discussed and recommendations made by various civil society groups during the two day deliberations preceding the government meeting. After the opening ceremony, the government-civil society “Common Space” was held. A panel comprised of representatives from governments, civil society and international organizations debated the topic, “Looking at the Big Picture: Demographics, Youth (Un-) Employment, Development and Migration”.

Two Working Sessions subsequently discussed the highlights of the 14 thematic meetings organised around the globe this year under the framework of the GFMD, followed by Special Sessions on the GFMD Assessment, the GFMD Platform for Partnerships and the Relationship between the GFMD and Non-governmental Partners.

The Concluding Session witnessed the handover of the GFMD Chairmanship to the Government of the Republic of Mauritius as incoming GFMD 2012 Chair, represented by Mr. Ali Mansoor, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. In his statement, Mr. Mansoor shared the main elements of the GFMD 2012 work program, which will begin with a survey among the Friends of the Forum on possible themes, to be followed by informal brainstorming meetings with the governments, civil society, and experts from international organizations. He stressed that Mauritius will aim to seek consensus among GFMD stakeholders on the work program of the GFMD 2012.

The full article, conference documents, speeches and information related to the 14 thematic meetings are available on the GFMD website.