Team Philippines Joins Opening Ceremony and First Day of 13th GFMD Summit

17 January 2021 – Representatives of the Philippine delegation led by Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert E.A. Borje, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola and Commission on Filipinos Overseas Undersecretary Astravel Pimentel-Naik, virtually joined the opening ceremony today of the 13th Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

Select officials from the Office of the President, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor of Employment, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Commission on Filipinos Overseas gathered together in Malacanang to join the GFMD opening ceremony via teleconference.

The Summit was officially opened by UAE’s Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, H.E. Thani Juma Al Hamli, as Chair of the 13th GFMD Summit. His opening remarks was followed by keynote addresses of the Foreign Minister of Ecuador, as chair of the immediately preceding summit, and top officials of the International Organisation for Migration, the European Commission, African Union Commission, Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Organization of American States, respectively.

Following the opening session, Team Philippines participated in virtual discussions on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant workers; the impacts of non-payment of wages and benefits on the life of migrants and their families post-COVID-19; and partnering with young innovators to address shared challenges.

Today’s discussions recognized the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on a global scale, affecting millions of persons around the world. The unprecedented situation has led governments to implement restrictions on movement, significant health measures, changes to labor laws and the provision of economic support packages. More importantly, the forum notes that migrant workers, as people among the most vulnerable in society, have felt the impact of the crisis the most. Migrant workers have been particularly susceptible to job losses, salary cuts and various health and safety concerns.

Furthermore, the discussions sought to identify and assess policies, measures and initiatives taken by governments to address the various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants, as well as the gaps and challenges that continue to await remedy.

Finally, the day’s discussion on young innovators focused on presenting and discussing innovative and effective projects and initiatives led by youth, which have a high potential for replication, scaling and partnership with governments and other stakeholders.

The Philippines is officially participating in the 13th GFMD Summit, with the overarching title “The Future of Human Mobility: Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Development”, from 18-26 January 2021 to sustain country’s major contributions in the international debate on migration and development. END