QUITO, (Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jan, 2020) For policymakers focused on migration, the annual Global Forum on Migration and Development, GFMD, is the foremost annual inter-governmental gathering, and for the UAE delegation attending this year’s GFMD Summit in Quito, Ecuador, it is a chance to underline the UAE’s role as a fast-growing economy offering employment opportunities to workers from around the world.
Leading the UAE’s delegation to Quito is Nasser bin Thani Juma Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, who said that positioning the UAE as a global magnet for talent was on the top of his agenda.
"As we make the transition to becoming a knowledge economy, the UAE’s economic prosperity will increasingly come from productivity gains, which requires a diverse and skilled workforce to deliver," said Al Hamli, adding, "We need to be looking to South America, Africa, and China for a fresh influx of talent, to complement the skills of Emiratis. Our participation in the GFMD is an opportunity to drive home the message that the UAE leads the world when it comes to openness to talent."
He added, "Apart from meeting the demand of our employers for people with the skills to compete in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, food security, and fintech, we also need to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the more vulnerable members of our society."
Outlining the UAE’s participation in the Quito Summit, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s Assistant Under-Secretary for International Relations and Communications, Abdulla Al Nuaimi, said, "The UAE has been one of the most active participants in the GFMD since its foundation in 2007. We are involved in a range of activities throughout the week, meeting with members of other governments to discuss key bilateral issues, chairing discussion forums, and engaging with business, civil society and youth organisations."
Also participating in Quito is Afra Al Basti, Director-General of Dubai’s Foundation for Women and Children, who is attending on behalf of the UAE civil society.
Meeting on an annual basis, the GFMD is informal, voluntary and non-binding, and provides opportunities for governments, civil society, business and local administrations to discuss the migration policy, establish partnerships, and structure international priorities on migration and development. The current Chair of the GFMD is the Government of Ecuador.
