Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD)
Promoting safe, orderly, and regular labour migration through regional collaboration
Overview
The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), launched in 2007, is a state-led, voluntary, and non-binding international forum that promotes dialogue, cooperation, and partnership among States on the interlinkages between migration and development. It provides a platform for governments to exchange experiences, good practices, and policy approaches to maximize the development benefits of migration while addressing its challenges.
The GFMD complements formal multilateral processes by offering a flexible and informal space for constructive policy discussions at the global level.
Framework and Scope
The GFMD focuses on practical, action-oriented discussions across a wide range of migration and development themes. These include labour migration governance, migrant rights and protection, remittances and financial inclusion, skills mobility, diaspora engagement, return and reintegration, and the contributions of migrants to sustainable development.
The Forum encourages whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, local authorities, trade unions, and migrant and diaspora organizations.
Sri Lanka’s Engagement and Participation
Sri Lanka has been an active participant in the Global Forum on Migration and Development, contributing to global policy dialogue and sharing national experiences and good practices related to labour migration governance and migrant worker welfare.
Through its participation in GFMD Summits, thematic roundtables, and side events, Sri Lanka has highlighted initiatives on ethical recruitment, skills development, protection of migrant workers, productive use of remittances, and sustainable reintegration of returnees.
Key Areas of Focus
Sri Lanka’s engagement with the GFMD aligns with national development priorities and includes:
- Enhancing the development impact of labour migration and remittances
- Protection of migrant workers’ rights and promotion of decent work
- Skills development, recognition, and labour mobility partnerships
- Diaspora engagement and investment
- Return, reintegration, and sustainable development outcomes
Partnerships and Outcomes
The GFMD serves as an important platform for strengthening partnerships between countries of origin and destination, as well as with international organizations such as IOM and ILO, civil society, and the private sector. Insights and outcomes from GFMD discussions contribute to shaping national and international migration policies and support the implementation of global frameworks, including the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
Sri Lanka remains committed to active engagement in the GFMD to advance evidence-based policymaking, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure that migration contributes positively to national and global development objectives.