The second Global Refugee Forum came to a close in Geneva on Friday, with a series of pledges aimed at improving the lives of refugees around the world and the conditions of the countries and communities hosting them.
Financial commitments totaling over $2.2 billion were announced by governments, the private sector, philanthropies and others, as well as important commitments to consider refugees and host communities in policy, financing instruments, and programs.
States also pledged to resettle 1 million refugees by 2030, while governments and foundations launched a pledge backed by a new global sponsorship fund to help a further 3 million refugees access third countries through community sponsorship.
The Forum mobilized over 1,600 pledges, including commitments to important advances in boosting economies through investments in refugee hosting areas, support for refugee entrepreneurs, jobs, skills training, and pro bono legal services. Over $250 million in funding was pledged by the private sector.
Among the innovative initiatives, a statement from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees referred to a multi-stakeholder pledge on digital protection of refugees to help prevent the harmful impact of hate speech and disinformation.
“Participants have demonstrated leadership, vision, and creativity in the search for solutions to very complex problems. They have, above all, made a commitment to continue working together to improve the lives of millions of refugees around the world,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi was quoted as saying.
The Forum was attended by over 4,200 participants from 168 countries, including Morocco, which reviewed its pioneering experience in the full integration of refugees, particularly in the health and education systems.
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