The application process for the 2019 Civil Society Days of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) has been opened. This year’s GFMD will take place 19-22 November in Quito, Ecuador under the theme “Sustainable approaches to human mobility: Upholding rights, strengthening state agency, and advancing development through partnerships and collective action”. Deadline for all applications is 26 August. Meanwhile, the host of the 2020 GFMD has been decided: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), representing the major destination region of the Gulf states. You can apply for the Civil Society Days here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/99KKTMP
I just filled in my application – besides comprehensive information about your or your networks’ activities, the form also asks about assessments of major migration issues, such as hindrances to the GCM implementation etc., so it is recommended to reserve some time for the application process. Unlike previous years, there are no more separate application forms for individuals/organizations and networks.
Based on my experience from previous years, the deadline might be extended, but don’t bet on it – in particular, since the number of delegates has been set to a maximum of 200. You can find more information in the FAQs:
http://gfmdcivilsociety.org/faqs-for-participant-selection-process-civil-society-days-2019/
I will write more about the Quito GFM in an upcoming post; for now, you can check out Ecuador’s concept paper here:
https://gfmd.org/files/documents/concept_paper_gfmd_2019_ecuador_chairmanship.pdf
Regarding UAE hosting the GFMD in 2020- this has been decided for a while already, but I could not find any reference on the official GFMD website, hence the decision to spread the word here. I believe it is a good opportunity to address the manifold issues in the region and link up to the work done by regional for a such as the Abu Dhabi process.
The GFMD, Migration, Development and Human Rights 