Migration is at the top of the global political agenda, with millions of people crossing borders every year to overcome poverty, escape conflict, cope with economic and environmental shocks and strive for a more prosperous future.

Despite strong evidence that migrants contribute positively to economies and cultures alike, many governments have focused on containing and reducing migration at all costs. Little has been done to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration pathways for the thousands of people who continue to make treacherous journeys every day, or to develop a coherent process to support them – or the countries they arrive in.  

An international approach to addressing and managing migrant flows is urgently needed. In September 2016, the UN General Assembly agreed to develop a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration, a process which began earlier this year. If successful, this agreement could mark an important step forward in improving the governance on migration, addressing the challenges involved and strengthening migrants’ contribution to sustainable development. But what form will this compact take? Will the international community be able to deliver on it? And who are the key actors needed to help get it off the ground?

UN Special Representative for International Migration Louise Arbour delivers the keynote speech at this #GlobalChallenges debate.