Azerbaijan has been authorized to deliver a joint statement on behalf of the "Champion Countries" initiative, which brings together 42 nations, at the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the State Migration Service (SMS) reported that the session was attended by high-ranking officials responsible for migration issues from UN member states. Vusal Huseynov, the head of the SMS, delivered the statement on behalf of the "Champion Countries," emphasizing the critical need for enhanced international cooperation to address global migration challenges. He further highlighted the necessity of promoting the Global Compact for Migration and outlined the essential steps required in this direction.
The International Migration Review Forum serves as the primary intergovernmental global platform to evaluate progress made in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). Azerbaijan’s selection to represent the "Champion Countries" group reflects the country's active role in shaping international migration policy and its commitment to establishing sustainable migration management frameworks. The forum is expected to conclude with the adoption of a Progress Declaration by UN member states.
During the session, Vusal Huseynov also delivered a national statement, detailing the activities implemented by Azerbaijan at various levels since the inaugural forum in 2022. He underscored the Republic of Azerbaijan's contributions to the GCM on national, regional, and international scales. Additionally, the SMS head held a meeting with Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General of the International Migration Organization (IOM). The parties expressed satisfaction with the mutually beneficial cooperation between the organization and Azerbaijan. Huseynov provided updates on planned activities under Azerbaijan's co-chairmanship of the "Champion Countries" initiative for 2026 and discussed joint efforts regarding the upcoming World Urban Forum to be hosted in Azerbaijan.
