The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) was established, hosting its first Summit meeting in 2007, under the direction of the first GFMD Chair, Belgium. The GFMD has since remained as the largest informal, non-binding, voluntary and government-led process, bringing together expertise from all regions and countries at all stages of economic, social and political development. Since its inception, the GFMD has operated on the basis of a unique participative working method, involving governments and policy makers from a varied background. Policy-makers from a wide range of government agencies participate, including from Ministries and Departments of Immigration, Development, Labor, Foreign Affairs, Gender Equality, Home Affairs, Justice, Interior, Integration and Nationals Abroad. The GFMD Steering Group (SG) is comprised of roughly 30 member countries that are firmly committed to offer sustained political and conceptual support to the Chair-in-Office and ensure continuity of the overall process. This includes carrying out periodic evaluations of the activities of the Forum, both in terms of process and content, as well as assisting the Chair-in-Office in seeking technical and financial support for the GFMD process. The SG convenes in Geneva at the request of the Chair-in-Office to consider and advise on all relevant policy issues, and it may also create thematic Working Groups.

Taking into consideration the significant achievements attained by Azerbaijan both at national and regional levels in the field of migration management, the country has been elected as a member of the Steering Group of GFMD. Member States agree that the GFMD should play an active role not only in the implementation, follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda, but also in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Global Compact, GCM).