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Whole-of-government 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-government-approach:

“Whole-of-government approach. The Global Compact considers that migration is a multidimensional reality that cannot be addressed by one government policy sector alone. To develop and implement effective migration policies and practices, a whole-of-government approach is needed to ensure horizontal and vertical policy coherence across all sectors and levels of government”  (GCM, 2018: para. 15)

A whole-of-government approach to advance the objectives of the Global Compact is vital. By working across all relevant levels and sectors within government, states can promote policy coherence. For migrants to have access to services in health, education and justice, among others, coordination among government ministries and departments is important. As well, working with all levels of government—local, national, regional and global—ensures vertical policy coherence by making sure that migration policies reflect legal and institutional frameworks and realities on the ground. As mentioned in a report by the Secretary-General (SG Report A/75/542) and given that inclusion starts at the local level, local governments are well-placed to drive forward many Global Compact commitments. Building an institutional framework for coordination both across government sectors and across government levels is an important step for the mainstreaming of migration into diverse policy areas. 

 

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

The guiding principle of Whole-of-government approach is also mentioned in the following sections of the GCM:

  • Objective 11, para. 27(a): Manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinated manner
  • Objective 23, para. 39(a): Strengthen international cooperation and global partnerships for safe, orderly and regular migration

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

 

    Contents using this term
    TitleTypeCreated
    Coordinated Management of the DTM at the Chilean-Bolivian border Practice Repository
    Kenya GCM Implementation Plan (2023-2027)Practice Repository
    Workshop for the UN Networks on Migration (UNNM) members of Tajikistan on Global Compact on MigrationEvents
    An online induction training for GCM consultants to support the governments in GCM implementation in Central Asia - Enhancing the GCM implementation post IMRF Progress Declaration. Events
    The launching event of the Programme "Leveraging the positive impact of migration on Moldova’s development through improved policy evidence and better engaged diaspora"Events
    ​​Training-retreat for the UN Networks on Migration (UNNM) members ​from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Events
    An online induction training for GCM consultants to support the governments in GCM implementation in Central Asia. Events
    Focus on sustainable future amidst colliding crises Events
    International Capacity Building WorkshopEvents
    Seminar on "The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM)"Events
    CAPITALISING ON HUMAN MOBILITY FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF REGIONAL COOPERATION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SOCIETIEEvents
    ​​SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW NATIONAL STRATEGY ON MIGRATION AND ACTION PLAN IN ALBANIA ​ Events
    3 rd Extended Meeting of United Nations Belarus Network on MigrationEvents
    Workshop on “The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)” in the framework of the Almaty ProcessEvents
    Support Programme for Indigenous Communities in the Context of Climate Change, Environmental Degradation, and Deforestation Practice Repository
    Integration of human mobility due to environmental and climate reasons in Ecuador's National Plan for Climate Change Adaptation Practice Repository
    Collection of information on international migrants in the Brazilian Demographic CensusPractice Repository
    Migrant Response and Resources Mechanism in NigerPractice Repository
    Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and YemenPractice Repository
    Kenya’s GCM implementation planPledge

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