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Whole-of-society approach

Cross-cutting theme in the Global Compact for Migration

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is based on a set of cross-cutting and interdependent guiding principles. This page provides resources for the guiding principle of Whole-of-society approach:

“Whole-of-society approach. The Global Compact promotes broad multi-stakeholder partnerships to address migration in all its dimensions by including migrants, diasporas, local communities, civil society, academia, the private sector, parliamentarians, trade unions, national human rights institutions, the media and other relevant stakeholders in migration governance." (GCM, 2018: para. 15)

A whole-of-society approach entails the robust participation of migrants and host community members in the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), as part of meaningful multi-stakeholder engagement. This requires government actors to create environments that are inclusive, safe and sustainable. A whole-of-society approach helps to ensure the participation of those who often face significant structural barriers to participation in migration policymaking, such as migrants themselves and migrant-led organizations. It is important to provide spaces where all actors can engage in an active, free, and informed manner. The GCM will be implemented in cooperation and partnership with migrants, civil society, migrant and diaspora organizations, faith-based organizations, local authorities and communities, the private sector, trade unions, parliamentarians, national human rights institutions, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, academia, the media and other relevant stakeholders (GCM, para 44). 

 

Whole-of-society approach in the text of the Global Compact

The Whole-of-society approach is also mentioned in the following sections of the GCM:

  • Objective 17, para. 33: Eliminate all forms of discrimination and promote evidence-based public discourse to shape perceptions of migration
  • Objective 23, para. 39(a): Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration
  • Paragraphs 41, 44, 48, and 53

The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) report is available in AR, ZH, EN, FR, RU, ES.

    Contents using this term

    *References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).