Switzerland to co-host second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva

Over 4,200 delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to participate in the forum, which is held every four years. The 2023 event is being organised by Switzerland and the UNHCR in collaboration with Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, and Uganda. A number of high-level representatives from states, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society will be in attendance.

The Swiss delegation will be headed by Christine Schraner Burgener, state secretary for migration. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will be represented by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The delegation will also include representatives from the City of Zurich and the civil society organisation Asylex, as well as a refugee residing in Switzerland. Switzerland has facilitated the official participation of nearly 100 refugees from around the world in the forum to ensure their voices are heard.

117 million forcibly displaced people

The global number of forcibly displaced people has seen a dramatic rise due to escalating conflicts, human rights abuses, climate change and poverty. Over 117 million people are currently classified as refugees, posing significant challenges for the international community.
Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from public and private actors worldwide.

The forum provides an opportunity to discuss potential solutions to these challenges and to mobilise the necessary international support for the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees. The objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees are to alleviate the burden on countries hosting refugees, promote refugees' self-reliance, expand access to services for refugees in third countries, and improve conditions in refugees' countries of origin to enable them to return in safety and dignity.

Switzerland's commitment

The Global Refugee Forum provides a platform for states and stakeholders to publicly pledge their commitment to the objectives of the Global Compact for Refugees. Switzerland will make pledges in several areas at both national and international level on the basis of contributions from the federal government, cantons, cities and civil society. These commitments encompass efforts to combat human trafficking, promote access to education, protect unaccompanied minors and involve refugees in processes that directly impact them. Furthermore, Switzerland supports local authorities and civil society organisations in their efforts, and is strengthening its collaboration with international organisations. The goal of this cooperation is to provide technical expertise to facilitate the sustainable resettlement of refugees.

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA

State Secretariat for Migration SEM
E-mail: medien@sem.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs