Making migration and mobility positive forces for development
1. Bring together representatives of diaspora communities and governments of countries of origin and destination for round-table debates on sharing best practices and on recognising the role and needs of diaspora communities in development and investment in countries of origin as well as in integration in the host societies.
2. Widen the current expert network connecting experts by new digital means and study the relevant state policies, legislation and successful practices of facilitating circular migration that help to ensure legal, safe and decent employment opportunities abroad, focusing in particular on:
a) migrant workers’ qualifications and their recognition with the help of new technologies, as well as employment of migrant workers according to these qualifications, and the protection of their rights;
b) stronger engagement of businesses and associations.
3. Expand efforts countering brain drain through maximising the overall benefits of return migration.
4. Examine the possibility of developing a framework for disseminating information on channels for remittances, their cost, new remittance technologies and the prevention of money laundering, with the aim of promoting investment in countries of origin.
5. Exchange information about the social consequences of migration for migrants’ families, performing an analysis on the situation, roles and needs of vulnerable groups, such as women and children left behind, especially in rural and remote areas, identify best practices to address these issues and strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable, including by supporting female entrepreneurship.
6. Support the gradual elimination of push factors that lead to mass emigration and the potential displacement of populations through development tools and transformative policies.
7. Increase the resilience of origin and destination countries to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by promoting private sector engagement, development of investment opportunities, and the mobilisation and matching of microfinance for social investment.
8. Addressing the manifold impacts of climate change on livelihood and migration and vice versa.
9. Ensure a better mainstreaming of migration and development policies using the Sustainable Development Goals as guidance at national and local levels, thereby safeguarding a positive environment in countries of origin as well as in other areas.