|
UN Chief Thanks RP for Hosting 2nd GFMD Meeting |
PRESS RELEASE No. 17
MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 29 -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today expressed appreciation to the Philippine government for hosting the ongoing 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) amid current global economic challenges.
“I thank the government and people of the Philippines for hosting this Forum amid the emerging harsh economic difficulties throughout the world,” Ban said in a press conference right after opening the 2nd GFMD meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center.
The UN top official said he is “honored” to be in Manila to attend the opening of the GFMD which was proposed by the UN Secretary-General at the UN General Assembly High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development held in New York in 2006. The first GFMD was held in Brussels, Belgium last year.
“Much has been accomplished since the idea of the Forum was born just over three years ago, “he pointed out.
He added: “Today, the need for labor migration is self evident and we can build on those exchanges by discussing how to protect the rights of migrants, foster opportunities for regular migration, and improve policy coherence through partnerships.
“There is tremendous appreciation for the benefits that migration brings to both countries of origin and countries of destination, and to migrants themselves who can be the engine in advancing development and a positive force for cross-cultural understanding,” he added.
164 UN member countries and several international organizations are attending the forum which started last Monday with the Civil Society days, focusing on the theme “Protecting and Empowering Migrants for Development.”
“The theme is very timely and useful considering the challenge of the financial crisis and other multiple challenges we are now facing. I am hoping that the 2nd GFMD in Manila will provide quick guidelines and recommendations for the member countries of the UN and also participating countries of the GFMD to ensure the rights of the migrants who are regarded often as most vulnerable in the society of destinations,” Ban said.
Ban also expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its “strong support” to the UN, including the sending of peacekeeping personnel to the countries which need emergency humanitarian support.
“I am extremely grateful to the Philippines for your strong support to the United Nations in many areas,” he said, citing the nearly 700 Filipino military and police personnel who have been deployed in the unstable areas of the world.
The Philippines is also offering to send an additional 100 police officers as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the war-torn Darfur in Africa.
Ban is looking forward to further strengthen the “already close relations” between the Philippines and the United Nations.
“The Philippines has been a very engaged partner in international affairs and the UN counts on it as an enduring partner in facing ever-more complex global challenges,” he said.
|
News 