GFMD Civil Society Days draws record number of applicants

GENEVA, 14 March 2014 (ICMC) - Almost 800 civil society representatives have applied to take part in this year’s Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Civil Society Days<, which will take place in Stockholm on 12-13 May. With the application process now closed, the International Advisory Committee, comprised of 35 civil society organizations from all around the world, is selecting 200 representatives to participate in the GFMD. Selection will be based on sectoral, and geographic as well as representavity of the organization, relevant experience and knowledge on migration and development issues.

Demonstrating the increased popularity of the GFMD, as well as the far-reaching implications of growing numbers of migrants, applicants were as diverse as the populations they represented.

To give you a quick overview: ​

• 346 applicants indicated that their organization is migrant/diaspora-led 
• 291 came from development organizations, 
• 287 from human rights organizations, 87 from labour organizations, 
• 75 from the academic sector and 39 from the private sector
•  402 applicants participated in previous GFMD Civil Society Days or in the United Nations High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development <
• ​There were 311 women and 468 men 
• 380 applicants indicated that their organization is working in Africa, 287 in Europe, 248 in Asia-Pacific, 241 in Americas and 183 in the Middle East (one organization can be working in one or more regions) ​

Applicants will be notified on the outcome of the selection process during the week of 17 March.​