Flags outside the United Nations in New York

    German activities Shaping migration policy together with our partners

    When it comes to migration policy, the German Development Ministry (BMZ) advocates a 360-degree approach based on international cooperation and dialogue. Together with our partner countries, and in collaboration with European and multilateral partners, the BMZ aims to shape migration in such a way that it contributes positively to sustainable development – for countries of origin, destination countries and the migrants themselves.

    The BMZ’s policies are based around the goals of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).


    Multilateral activities

    In addition to collaborating closely with partner countries in the context of German development cooperation, the BMZ also partners with UN organisations such as the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Bank.

    Consultation

    Centres for migration and development

    Putting the Global Compact for Migration into action is a top priority for the BMZ. At the first International Migration Review Forum in May 2022, the BMZ highlighted the opportunities that migration offers for sustainable development. The German Development Ministry is providing financial support for concrete projects that implement the Pact via a United Nations trust fund (Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund).

    As part of the flagship initiative centres for migration and development, the BMZ is collaborating with the UN, and in particular with the International Organization for Migration and its local structures in partner countries. Via the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), the BMZ is bringing its approach to migration policy into international discussions and building strategic partnerships with governments, civil society organisations and business.

    European activities

    The BMZ is pushing for a development-oriented European migration policy. Migration policy needs to be humane and conform with human rights. To achieve this, the BMZ is working closely with other EU member states and is actively involved in the EU’s regional dialogues, in particular with countries on the African continent.

    As part of joint programming, Germany is collaborating with other EU member states and the European Commission to contribute to Team Europe Initiatives in participating partner countries. This serves to increase the visibility of European development policy in the area of migration and make the EU’s external action consistent and coordinated.

    Advising partner countries on migration policy

    The BMZ is supporting interested partner countries in broadening their perspectives on migration and making use of its potential for sustainable development. One focus is on regional mobility within the African Union for the purpose of employment, for example. In the Horn of Africa, the BMZ is working with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to develop and implement comprehensive regional migration concepts. Germany also assisted Serbia in developing a national strategy for economic migration.

    As at: 11/07/2023