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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
    Leave no one behind: addressing the needs of migrants towards Universal Health CoverageEvents12 May 2023
    City Initiative on Migrants with Irregular Status in EuropePledge05 May 2023
    Implement and monitor the Municipal Plan of Policies for the Immigrant Population 2021-2024Pledge05 May 2023
    Establishment of a cross-city Taskforce on Migrant InclusionPledge05 May 2023
    How Mexico City is Preparing for Inclusive GrowthResource25 Jan 2023
    Sesiones de formación de periodistas en migración, medio ambiente y cambio climáticoPractice Repository23 Jan 2023
    Kenya National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM): County Outreach ProgramPractice Repository20 Dec 2022
    “To promote public perception regarding the positive contribution of migrants and to end discrimination and stigmatization against them”Pledge16 Dec 2022
    Unidad de Migración del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social Practice Repository05 Dec 2022
    Derechos Políticos de personas migrantes: experiencia del Consejo Municipal de Migrantes en el municipio de San Pablo Practice Repository08 Nov 2022
    Estrategia para aumentar la inscripción de migrantes en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS)Practice Repository08 Nov 2022
    Experiencias de Programas Educativos del Centro Plurinacional de Educación Alternativa a Distancia CEPEADPractice Repository08 Nov 2022
    Migration Profiles RepositoryResource21 Oct 2022
    Mainstreaming Migration into Development Planning: A Handbook for Policy-makers and PractitionersResource21 Oct 2022
    From promises to practice: Towards the effective implementation of the Global Compact on MigrationEvents18 Oct 2022
    Observatorio Departamental de Migraciones en la frontera Uruguay- Brasil Practice Repository14 Oct 2022
    Coordinación de Abordaje de la Violencia por Razones de Género contra Personas Migrantes Practice Repository13 Oct 2022
    Mesa Nacional de Movilidad Humana Practice Repository13 Oct 2022
    Regional dialogue to address human mobility and climate change adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean StatesPractice Repository08 Oct 2022
    Migration Policy Practice (Vol. XI, Number 4, December 2021–April 2022)Resource28 Sep 2022