Global Refugee Forum 2019

The first Global Refugee Forum took place in 2019 and brought the international community together to demonstrate solidarity with refugees and their host communities. 

Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), tthe Forum aimed to translate the principle of international responsibility sharing into action.

States and other stakeholders demonstrated leadership, vision and ambition to share the responsibility for refugees by announcing pledges to improve the lives of refugees and their host communities. Participants also shared good practices that illustrate how the Global Compact on Refugees is already making a difference around the world. 

The event was co-hosted by UNHCR and Switzerland, and co-convened by Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan and Turkïye. 

• 3,000 participants 

• 80+ events, sessions and exhibitions 

• 1,400 pledges announced in the lead-up to and during the GRF 

• 350+ Good Practices shared 

• Public interest and positive media coverage around the world 

• Unprecedented refugee participation (70+ refugees) 

• Launch of the Support Platforms & GCR Initiatives 

• 10 Public events across Geneva and a Solidarity Train 

• Launch of GCR Digital Platform 

Download the Outcomes document to find out more about the impact of the first Global Refugee Forum.