(Rabat, 27 January 2023) The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the government of the Kingdom of Morocco, in collaboration with the United Nations Network on Migration, hosted a Dialogue on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) by GCM Champion Countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe regions.

The event “Peer-to-peer exchanges on implementation and way forward” took place between 26 and 27 January 2023 in Rabat, Morocco, where the GCM was adopted in December 2018. This event aimed at fostering peer-learning initiatives and synergies to strengthen inter-regional cooperation as Champion countries prepare for the next round of GCM Regional Reviews due in 2024.

The event brought together technical level representatives of 16 GCM Champion countries to share good practices of GCM implementation, discuss progress in implementing GCM pledges made by their respective governments, notably following the International Migration Review Forum which took place in May 2022 in New York.

“Champion representatives from both countries of origin and destination have set a precedent and showcased their willingness to work together, share good practices and take ownership of the implementation of the GCM,” said Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the MENA region. “Leading by example is an essential step to GCM implementation and I am certain that this initiative will win more support and inspire others to take action.”

"This inter-regional meeting allowed the mobilization of the Global Compact's champion countries in order to ensure its implementation and to plan its next review at the regional level," said Mr. Ismail Chekkori, Director of Global Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Living Abroad. He added that "this event is a testimony to the federating role of the Kingdom of Morocco which, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI as the African Leader on Migration, is conducting a humanistic, comprehensive, pragmatic and active migration policy that places migrants at the center of its actions and initiatives."

“We count today 33 Champion countries, including 16 attending today’s event, forming a progressively powerful voice in the growing community of actors committed to bringing the GCM to life,” said Amy Muedin, Deputy head of the secretariat of the UN Network on Migration. “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of their continued leadership and engagement in the implementation, follow-up and review of the Compact,” she added.

The dialogue contributed to inform the GCM Champion countries Initiative global Workplan as well as populate the “The Migration Network Hub” by sharing existing practices and experiences while contributing to the development of potential joint programs and joint pledges.

“We are delighted to bring together during these two days GCM Champion countries to consolidate the important efforts they are making to ensure better governance of migration,” said Laura Palatini, IOM Chief of Mission in Morocco. “This essential dialogue stands as an opportunity to expand the number of

Champion countries through the sharing of lessons learned and best practices to leave no one behind and in view of the next regional reviews of the Pact scheduled for 2024”.

In 2020, the UN Network on Migration invited a group of Member States to serve as “Champion countries” for the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, targeting them with explicit support from the Network, while also generating key insights, lessons learned, and positive practices that can be shared in dedicated spaces and with other Member States.

Champion countries are playing a critical role in demonstrating support for the GCM and recently helped galvanizing support for the International Migration Review Forum.

For more information please contact:

In Morocco: Meryem Massaia, Senior Communications Assistant, IOM Morocco, mmassaia@iom.int

In Geneva:

Florence Kim, Senior Strategic Communications Coordinator, UN Network on Migration Secretariat, fkim@iom.int

In Cairo:

Mohammedali Abunajela, Spokesperson, Regional Media and Public Information Department (MENA-RO), mmabunajela@iom.int