The Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States

In my years as Special Representative, I have had few allies as effective and visionary as the ACP states. You have been instrumental in bringing the world’s attention to how the movement of people across borders can be a vital force for development. As such, it is my distinct pleasure to address you today.

It is especially meaningful that you are gathered in Brussels, which nearly one year ago hosted the inaugural Global Forum on Migration and Development. The Forum, proposed by the Secretary-General, benefited greatly from your support. You recognized the importance of nurturing a positive discussion amongst states on how migration can benefit countries of origin, countries of destination, and—above all—migrants themselves.

Last summer, your Secretary-General, Sir John Kaputin, was the special guest speaker at the first Global Forum. In his address, he underscored that the international debate on migration must address the challenges we face “in a new, innovative, and overall positive way.” The uplifting spirit in which he spoke helped set the tone for a successful Global Forum.

The Global Forum brought together 155 states in a collegial, nonthreatening environment where they gained exposure to the most promising policy ideas related to migration. The Forum allowed governments to begin establishing a common understanding—based on the best evidence—about the areas of migration policymaking that have the greatest potential to contribute to development. It was only a beginning, but an important one.

While immigration is as natural and old as mankind, it has entered a new, more fluid era—an era of mobility. Globalization and technology are fundamentally reshaping the experience of being a migrant. The thirst for knowledge that governments are showing underscores the need to pool our experiences about what works best when it comes to international migration and development.

This is why I applaud your efforts here in Brussels, and the initiatives you have undertaken: From enhancing cooperation amongst ACP states on migration and mobility, to your work with the European Union through the Cotonou Partnership, to the ACP migration facility and your plans for a migration observatory. The world has a great deal to learn from your example and from your many experiments.

I trust your deliberations here will be successful, and I look forward to seeing you at the second Global Forum this coming October in Manila.