Global Refugee Forum 2023
![Global Refugee Forum 2023 banner Three refuges smile for the camera. One holds a violin, another is in medical scrubs.](/sites/default/files/2023-12/grf-rings-people.jpg)
Global Refugee Forum 2023
About the Global Refugee Forum
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 took place from 13 to 15 December in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 11 December.
Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees, designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin.
Over 4,200 participants from 168 countries attended the Forum in 2023, including over 300 refugee delegates. A further 10,000 people followed the proceedings online.
The Forum saw over 1,600 pledges made to support refugees and their host communities, including 43 multi-partner commitments led by governments. An estimated $2.2 billion in new financial commitments by States and other actors was announced, including some $250 million pledged by the private sector. These outcomes offer a source of hope to the more than 36 million refugees displaced worldwide.
The 2023 Forum was co-convened by five States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.
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15 December 2023
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Republic of Colombia, France, Japan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Uganda, the Swiss Confederation, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Video highlights and statements
Delegates’ statements and recorded webcasts of the plenary session are available via the links below.
![UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi addresses the opening session of the 2019 Global Refugee Forum at the Palais des Nations. Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner for Refugees, speaks from a podium during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum.](/sites/default/files/RF2268174.jpg)
![A cameraman films the plenary session on burden and responsibility-sharing in the Palais des Nations in Geneva. A cameraman films from the stage at the Palais des Nations.](/sites/default/files/RF2270965.jpg)
![An Ecuadorian woman, 67, and a Venezuelan woman, 39 embrace and celebrate their friendship on the banks of a river. An Ecuadorian woman, 67, and a Venezuelan woman, 39 embrace and celebrate their friendship on the banks of a river.](/sites/default/files/RF1267677.jpg)
![Twitter icon](/sites/default/files/2023-10/twitter_icon.png)
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Action. Unity. Impact.
[The Compact] represents the political will and ambition of the international community as a whole for strengthened cooperation and solidarity with refugees and affected host countries.
Events and sessions at the Forum
The Forum plenary session and parallel high-level events were held at the Palexpo convention centre in Geneva. A range of linked events also took place around Geneva in the lead-up to and during the Forum.
![Preparing for the Global Refugee Forum 2019 in Geneva. A conference room with a stage and rows of seats.](/sites/default/files/RF2266635.jpg)
![UNHCR's banner exhibition 'Everyone Counts' at the United Nations, for the Global Refugee Forum 2019. A person walks past a series of posters at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum.](/sites/default/files/RF2266510.jpg)
![MADE51 stall A woman browses jewelry and handicrafts at an indoor market stall.](/sites/default/files/RF2268449.jpg)
Information for attendees
Programme
Programme outline for the Global Refugee Forum 2023.
List of speakers
List of delegations that will make a formal statement from the floor.
Information note: States, IGOs, UN
Overview and key information for States, IGOs and UN entities (pdf).
Information note: other stakeholders
Overview and key information for other stakeholders (pdf).
Submit a pledge or contribution
Guidance on how to develop and submit a pledge or contribution.
Pledging guidance | MSP guidance | Submit a pledge form
Refugee inclusion
Guidance on refugee inclusion in State and stakeholder delegations (pdf).
Logistics and practical information
Location information, venue map, and registration details.
Media
Information and resources for media covering the Forum.
Press opportunities and social media resources
Details on holding press briefings and the VIP Social Media Zone along with social media and brand assets.
✉️ Contact us
If you have additional questions, you can refer to the frequently asked questions. If you're unable to find the information you're looking for, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Global Compact on Refugees Coordination Team at the email provided below.
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Global Compact on Refugees
- Ease pressures on countries that host refugees
- Enhance opportunities for refugees to become self-reliant
- Expand refugees’ access to third-country solutions such as resettlement and other pathways
- Support conditions in refugees’ countries of origin so that they may be able to return in safety and dignity.
The key global arrangement is the Global Refugee Forum where States and other actors come together every four years to take stock of progress made and pledge further contributions to help reach the objectives of the Compact.
Learn more about the purpose of the Global Refugee Forum
Documents and resources
Global Refugee Forum 2023 resources
Previous meetings and forums
Frequently asked questions
For more information or questions, please see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Global Refugee Forum.