El Salvador, Morocco Co-Chair the Global Compact for Migration's Champion Countries Initiative

Geneva – On 20 October, the Champion countries of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) held their first meeting under the co-chairmanship of El Salvador and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The event, organized in Geneva, brought together 25 States and provided an opportunity to discuss how best the GCM Champions could continue their work in advancing the goals and aspirations contained in the Compact.

"Our two countries share common objectives, whether it is to balance the narrative on migration, advocate for more regular pathways, protect the human rights of migrants, respond to or mitigate the impacts of climate change or even further expand the Champions’ membership," said H.E. Mr. Omar Zniber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco.

"This Initiative is a platform for exchanging ideas and for innovation. We both serve as the custodians and promoters of the only internationally negotiated agreement on migration."

The GCM Champion countries Initiative is a collaborative effort by Member States to enhance GCM implementation. Through leadership, partnership, advocacy, and communication, the Initiative seeks to deepen Member States' engagement in the GCM and promote inclusive and substantive discussions around the GCM Regional Reviews. The members of the Initiative are committed to advancing cooperation, galvanizing support, and sharing best practices to ensure the success of the GCM.

"We have entrusted this Initiative to promote the effective implementation of the GCM, allowing us to unlock the potential of safe, orderly and well-governed migration while addressing its challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities it represents, particularly with respect for the human rights of migrants and their families, regardless of their migration status," said Ms. Rosibel Menendez Deputy Permanent Representative of El Salvador.

There are currently 33 GCM Champion countries in this non-exclusive initiative.  The co-chairs will serve on a rotating basis for six months.

For more information, please contact Florence Kim at the UN Network on Migration at fkim@iom.int; +41 79 7480395.