Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

19 May 2022

 

Excellencies,

Ladies, and gentlemen,

I am pleased to host and participate in this event.

The adoption of the Global Compact for Migration, in December 2018, remains a monumental achievement by the international community. It enhances cooperation and helps to shape a global migration regime that is beneficial to everyone involved.

While the finalization of its text was a milestone – we have an obligation to breathe life into that text. To act upon its provisions and realize their concrete benefits. 

Towards that end, the Migration Fund is a powerful tool to facilitate the implementation of the Global Compact, while also accelerating countries’ progress in meeting the SDG targets.

This will help societies build resilience and empower them to shape effective migration governance strategies that cater to the needs of both migrants and host-communities.

Indeed, Member States themselves foresaw the need for such an instrument and called for its establishment through the adoption of the Compact

In his recent report on the Global Compact on Migration, the Secretary-General highlights the importance of this fund, and encourages Member States to increase their support.

Dear colleagues,

Today’s event provides space for a discussion that is an integral part of the review forum – just as the Migration Multi Partner Trust Fund is an integral part of the Compact.

The high demand expressed by Member States for use of the Fund exceeded expectations. It has left no doubt about its relevance.

While 14 programmes are already ongoing, this is only the tip of the iceberg.

The fund has the potential to do so much more. We are all eager to expand its support to cover many promising initiatives that have been designed jointly by national governments, the United Nations, and stakeholders.   

At its core, the Fund is a tool for sustainable development. 

Its success is a measure of the international community’s commitment to manage migration as part of their shared responsibility. And of their understanding of the urgency of providing migrants and host-communities with enough support to create more inclusive and resilient societies.

A pledge towards a contribution to the Fund is therefore a strong signal of trust. Of the necessity of cooperation amongst states. And of the importance of multilateralism to achieve our collective aims to make migration safe, orderly and regular.

By ensuring adequate financing, the Fund will strengthen capacity building in countries across all regions and thus improve the living conditions of migrants and host communities alike.

I urge you to strongly consider making a pledge!

Thank you.