The United Nations High-Level Dialogue (UNHLD) on International Migration and Development is a landmark initiative that brings together global leaders, governments, civil society organizations, and key stakeholders to shape migration policy at the highest level.
Since its inception in 2006, the UNHLD has served as a critical forum to elevate international migration within the broader development agenda, emphasizing the need for coherence, cooperation, and respect for the rights of all migrants. WARBE Development Foundation (WARBE DF) has proudly engaged with the UNHLD process, contributing the voices, experiences, and aspirations of Bangladeshi migrant workers.
During the second UNHLD held in 2013, WARBE DF actively participated in civil society consultations and advocacy efforts that led to stronger recognition of the positive contributions of migrants to development and the urgency of protecting their human rights. The 2013 dialogue culminated in a declaration by UN Member States and set the stage for the development of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in 2018.
Building on the outcomes of the UNHLD and the adoption of the GCM, WARBE DF continues to engage in follow-up processes such as the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), the main intergovernmental platform for reviewing progress on the GCM’s implementation.
WARBE DF’s Engagement with the UNHLD
As part of the global civil society movement, WARBE DF remains dedicated to ensuring that migrant voices are not only heard but also help shape migration governance at all levels. Our advocacy focuses on:
- Promoting safe and dignified migration pathways.
- Ensuring the protection of migrant workers’ rights, particularly women and children.
- Strengthening global partnerships for ethical recruitment and decent work.
- Integrating migration into national and international development strategies.
Our advocacy at the UNHLD and beyond reflects our belief that migration, when well-governed, is a powerful driver of sustainable development and social justice.