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Global Refugee Forum 2023

About the Global Refugee Forum

The Global Refugee Forum 2023 took place from 13 to 15 December in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 11 December.

Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees, designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin. 

Over 4,200 participants from 168 countries attended the Forum in 2023, including over 300 refugee delegates. A further 10,000 people followed the proceedings online.

The Forum saw over 1,600 pledges made to support refugees and their host communities, including 43 multi-partner commitments led by governments. An estimated $2.2 billion in new financial commitments by States and other actors was announced, including some $250 million pledged by the private sector. These outcomes offer a source of hope to the more than 36 million refugees displaced worldwide.

The 2023 Forum was co-convened by five States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR. 

Following on from the Global Refugee Forum 2023, the High-Level Officials Meeting in 2025 is the next major opportunity to assess progress towards to goals of the Global Compact on Refugees. View the Outcomes of the Global Refugee Forum 2023 and the Roadmap to the High-Level Officials Meeting in 2025.

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CLOSING SUMMARY

Republic of Colombia, France, Japan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Uganda, the Swiss Confederation, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

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View information on the Global Refugee Forum in other languages French | Spanish | Arabic

Video archive and statements

View delegates' statements, along with recorded videos of the plenary session, high-level parallel events and Speakers' Corner talks.

 

Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks from a podium during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum.
Speeches and statements
Member States and delegates' speeches and statements.
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, is seen onscreen at the final plenary and Closing Ceremony of the Global Refugee Forum 2023.
Recorded plenary session
Recorded webcasts of the plenary session from the Forum.
Several speakers sit behind a long panel table with GRF branding.
Recorded parallel events
Video recordings from the high-level parallel events.
A speaker on the stage in front of a GRF banner
Recorded Speakers' Corner talks
Short, impactful talks from a range of speakers.

Action. Unity. Impact.

[The Compact] represents the political will and ambition of the international community as a whole for strengthened cooperation and solidarity with refugees and affected host countries.

From the Guiding Principles of the Global Compact on Refugees

Events and sessions at the Forum

The Forum plenary session and parallel high-level events were held at the Palexpo convention centre in Geneva. A range of linked events also took place around Geneva in the lead-up to and during the Forum.

 

A conference room with a stage and rows of seats.
Official programme
View the programme for the Global Refugee Forum 2023 for an outline of events and speakers.
A person walks past a series of posters at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum.
Linked events in Geneva
A range of official linked events were held around Geneva in conjunction with the Forum.
A woman browses jewelry and handicrafts at an indoor market stall.
Exhibitions at the Forum
The Forum featured a range of stalls, installations and talks in the Exhibition Space of the Palexpo.

Information for attendees

Programme

Programme outline for the Global Refugee Forum 2023.

List of speakers

List of delegations that will make a formal statement from the floor. 

Information note: States, IGOs, UN

Overview and key information for States, IGOs and UN entities (pdf). 

Information note: other stakeholders

Overview and key information for other stakeholders (pdf). 

Submit a pledge or contribution

Guidance on how to develop and submit a pledge or contribution.
Pledging guidance | MSP guidanceSubmit a pledge form 

Refugee inclusion

Guidance on refugee inclusion in State and stakeholder delegations (pdf).

Logistics and practical information

Location information, venue map, and registration details. 

Media

Information and resources for media covering the Forum.

Press opportunities and social media resources

Details on holding press briefings and the VIP Social Media Zone along with social media and brand assets.


✉️ Contact us

If you have additional questions, you can refer to the frequently asked questions. If you're unable to find the information you're looking for, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Global Compact on Refugees Coordination Team at the email provided below.

Email the GCR Team

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Global Compact on Refugees

The Global Compact on Refugees, affirmed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, put in place measures to support a new comprehensive refugee response framework that aims to:
 
  1. Ease pressures on countries that host refugees
  2. Enhance opportunities for refugees to become self-reliant
  3. Expand refugees’ access to third-country solutions such as resettlement and other pathways
  4. Support conditions in refugees’ countries of origin so that they may be able to return in safety and dignity. 

The key global arrangement is the Global Refugee Forum where States and other actors come together every four years to take stock of progress made and pledge further contributions to help reach the objectives of the Compact.

Learn more about the Compact

 

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Learn more about the purpose of the Global Refugee Forum

Frequently asked questions

For more information or questions, please see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Global Refugee Forum.