Closing of Fourth Interactive Multi-stakeholder Hearing

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at Closing of Fourth Interactive Multistakeholder Hearing

 

 

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, esteemed co-facilitators, ladies and gentlemen,

We have come to the end of our discussion. And we have explored what it means to promote an evidence-based discussion on migration.

I want to thank you for your input, your insights, and your ideas.

I think we can take some very clear messages away.

  • We heard that more information leads to better policies.
  • We heard that data and analysis can help us to harness the opportunities of migration, and mitigate the risks.
  • And we heard that an evidence-based approach can benefit not only migrants themselves, but also whole societies and economies.

But we also heard about what can happen, when the truth is lost.

  • We heard about political manipulation leading to rising tensions.
  • We heard about facts and data being replaced with divisive rhetoric.
  • And we heard about how fractures and fault lines in our societies are at risk of deepening.

Our last interactive hearing focused on a whole-of-society approach. And, given the interconnected nature of these themes, I was glad to see that such an approach was present, here, today.

We heard a wide range of stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that evidence, and information can lead the way. From governments to civil society, academia, the private sector, and the media.

The main messages centered around: 1) the power of words; 2) the power of information; and 3) how we use this information.

  • Speakers emphasized that we must all do our part in shaping a constructive narrative around migration. For instance, the Ethical Journalism Network and the Show of Force highlighted the importance of focussing on the people who are behind the statistics.;
  • We also learned about how innovation and technology can help. One example is the IOM MigApp which provides migrants with accurate information. This in turn reduces the risk of smuggling and trafficking;
  • We spoke about the impact of social media. It can both help and hurt our efforts to share accurate information.
  • We got insights from parliamentarians in the room who encounter challenges in sharing data across departments. This data is critical for developing and implementing policies; To counter this we need a “whole-of-government” approach;
  • We know that data and information is critical. But it does not end there. We heard about the need for data protection, to ensure accuracy and proper analysis of that data;
  • Interestingly, the Pew Research Centre highlighted the critical role of Civil Society Organizations in gathering data about migrants; and
  • Interventions also showed the many possible uses for the data gathered. It plays a role in education and in economic planning; from labour migration to addressing health issues; and it helps us in combatting trafficking and smuggling.

These are just some examples of the steps being taken to make sure our decisions, and policies, on migration are based on facts – not fiction.

I also want to recognise the parliamentarians who participated today. They shared with us their work to bring more facts and information on migration into the policy-making space. And I look forward to following up on this at the Interparliamentary Hearing tomorrow.

An evidence-based approach needs to be at the core of our discussions. […] It will ensure that our positions are driven by the facts on the ground. And it will allow for better listening, better dialogue and, ultimately, better cooperation, practices, and policies.

MIROSLAV LAJČÁK

President of the UN General Assembly

Excellencies, colleagues, friends,

As we have heard, incorrect information does not produce correct decisions. Wrong data does not make for the right actions. And, misinformation can lead to misguidance, missteps and mistakes.

An evidence-based approach needs to be at the core of our discussions. As I said earlier today, it will not make us all agree.

But it will ensure that our positions are driven by the facts on the ground. And it will allow for better listening, better dialogue and, ultimately, better cooperation, practices, and policies.

Our closing panel provided an opportunity to consider the follow up and review of the Global Compact. That conversation will continue in the coming weeks through the negotiations.

So, I want to thank all of our excellent participants and speakers today.

And I want to thank our co-facilitators, Ambassadors Lauber and Camacho, for joining us for this closing.

The next time we will meet in this format will be on the 21 May, for the fifth interactive hearing. By then, we will be much closer to our July deadline.

And, by then, I hope that we will also be much closer to our first global framework on migration, and the results it can bring on the ground.

Thank you all again.