Speech
Conference on the Global Forum on Migration and Development, Athens 26 January 2009
Tobias Billström, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy
Speech at "Conference on the Global Forum on Migration and Development", in Athens, part two of two
Excellencies,
Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have come to realize that migration truly is an international and interconnected issue. We have also come to realize that the benefits of international migration must be more effectively realized and the negative effects better addressed. The issue of international migration has therefore risen to the top of the global policy agenda, and rightly so. To contribute to a further understanding on how best to maximize the positive and minimize the negative effects of international migration, Sweden -together with Brazil, Morocco, the Philippines and Switzerland - took the initiative to establish the Global Commission on International Migration. This is also the reason for our active support for the Global Forum. The Global Forum provides the State-owned, open-ended, consultative and non-decision-making forum that we need for a continued and constructive dialogue on migration and development. The Global Forum provides space for a discussion on the migration and development nexus in an open setting, to find common ground and shared interests, and to learn from one another. The Global Forum is a pioneering process which we have initiated together and we are all responsible for its continued success.
Addressing the migration and development nexus is indeed essential in order to reap the benefits of an increasingly globalised world. The development potential of migration is large - but the contribution depends to a large degree on creating a supportive environment for migrants' efforts to invest in development; for themselves, their families and communities. By considering migration as an integral part of the national agenda for development and poverty reduction, an important step is taken toward the ultimate goal that individuals and families should migrate out of choice rather than necessity. In this context, it is essential that considerations about the development dimensions of migration are included in the preparations as well as the Global Forum meetings themselves and we all have to make continued efforts to make sure that the development perspective remains central to our discussions.
Migration is by nature an international issue, closely interlinked with other policy areas such as foreign affairs, development, trade, human rights and the environment. Policy coherence involves considering the real or potential impacts of other policy areas on development and on migratory flows, and promoting their synergies. My government signalled last year a new departure for its work on Policy Coherence for Development, setting out concrete ways to strengthen Sweden´s contribution to the overarching goal of equitable and sustainable global development. The entire Government shares the ownership and responsibility for implementing this policy. If the development benefits of international migration are to be maximized and the negative consequences minimized, coherent policy approaches are crucial. Policy coherence should constitute the foundation for the discussions at the Global Forum and the issue should remain on the agenda of the Global Forum.
It is crucial that the Global Forum continues to be State-led, and that the agenda for the Global Forum is set by States in order to ensure truly policy-relevant discussions and outcomes. It is also important that the Forum-process will continue to be inclusive and transparent, with the broad participation of States in settings such as the Friends of the Forum-constellation. The collaboration with the UN system is important and I welcome the link provided by the UN Secretary-General´s Special Representative, Peter Sutherland, whose good offices have been instrumental to the success of the Global Forum, and the participation of the Secretary General of the United Nations at Global Forum meetings.
In conclusion, it is my firm belief that the international dialogue on migration and development must continue, and Sweden vows to continue to provide support and to contribute to the Global Forum process. Let me also assure you that the Swedish Presidency of the EU during the fall of 2009 will aim to provide linkages between the Global Forum and the work of the EU and for the two to be mutually reinforcing. The two overarching themes chosen for the third Global Forum meeting relate well to Sweden´s priorities for the Presidency as we put great emphasis on strengthening the EU´s Global Approach on Migration and its instruments, developing genuine partnerships with third countries, such as mobility partnerships, as well as strengthening the development effects of migration.
