12 April 2018, 15.00 – 21.00 hrs, Hamburg, Germany
The world is in motion and that is how it will remain in the coming years. The 21st century will be characterized by significant population shifts. Migration is increasing around the globe. Migration between countries of the Global South has already overtaken migration movements from south to north. Increasing numbers of people are setting off in search of new economic opportunities and life experiences. Almost every seventh person in the world is a migrant. 740 million people have left their place of origin for an alternative location within their own country, whilst 244 million people have crossed state borders as international migrants. According to the International Labour Organisation, many migrants are currently living a life of forced labour or slavery. Over the past few years, the number of people fleeing armed conflict, persecution and human rights violations has all but exploded, and, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) currently exceeds 65 million refugees. Others flee in the face of the negative impact of climate change, natural catastrophes and other environmental changes.
It is due time to build up a global understanding of flight and migration and their impact on our societies as well as to come up with a comprehensive common stagey based on solidarity and partnership. Consequently, the S&D Group and the Progressive Alliance have decided to put all our weight behind the establishment of robust, balanced and inclusive global compacts and a renewed partnership on migration.
Your expertise and perspectives on the topic would help to achieve a meaningful and instructive debate. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Hamburg.
