IOM Azerbaijan and the State Migration Service (SMS) organized consultations for representatives of youth organizations on implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Azerbaijan dedicated to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF).

The event began with the official opening session where the participants were welcomed by Mr Vladimir Gjorgjiev, Chief of Mission for IOM Azerbaijan and Mr Vusal Huseynov, Chief of the State Migration Service.

In his opening remarks, Mr Gjorgjiev highlighted the importance of providing an opportunity to youth of the country to take part in such consultations and discussions to understand the main aspects of GCM, ways of managing migration, and the role of youth in implementation of GCM. “Youth is a critical part of human mobility, and therefore, it is crucial to include youth as critical stakeholders and partners in the GCM process, and all relevant decision-making processes,” said Gjorgjiev.

Vusal Huseynov noted that engagement with youth and strengthening capacity for their action on the implementation of the GCM is important to make the initiatives on various aspects of migration a real success.

The head of the migration service called on young people to actively participate in initiatives to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. “The Regional Migration Training Center project organized jointly with IOM Azerbaijan has different target groups, which also include young people. So, you can take advantage of the opportunities provided by this project,” said Huseynov.

The Consultations followed with presentations of Global Compact for Migration and Sustainable Development Goals delivered by representatives of IOM Mission in Azerbaijan Ms. Nargiz Karimova and UN Country Office Mr. Orkhan Rzayev.

The Union of Volunteer Organizations of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations' Union, “Migration Volunteer” Public Union made presentations covering the embracive activities performed by their organizations and at the end the youth members of “Migration volunteer” shared their insights on how youth was and can be supportive in implementation of GCM and in what stages and steps their contribution will make difference.

Vladimir Gjorgjiev in his closure remarks thanked all youth in interest and inspiration expressed to Global Migration issues and highlighted the essential importance of their role.