Migration and Development
February 10, 2008
A Conference on International Migration and Development: Continuing the Dialogue – Legal and Policy Perspectives took place at the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel, New York from January 17 –18, 2008. The event was organized by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Center for Migration Studies (CMS). The participants included representatives from Permanent Missions to the United Nations, academia, researchers, media, policymakers and practitioners and civil society organizations.
In all there were eight panel presentations covering the following topics:
1. Key findings, recommendations and implications of the United Nations High-Level dialogue and Brussels Forum on Migration and Development, 2006
2. Expert views on next steps for the international community on international migration and development
3. Critical legal and policy aspects relating to international migration
4. Welfare, rights and integration of migrants
5. International labor mobility and development
6. Partnerships at all levels
7. Role of Diasporas, remittances and development
8. Research priorities and gaps
The important question being addressed was: “Where should we be heading in the coming years
Second Global Forum on Migration and Development will be held in Manila, Philippines in October 27 – 30, 2008. Civil Society will meet October 27 – 28 and the Government days are October 29-30. Ayala Foundation is entrusted with the responsibility of organizing the Civil Society Forum.
Theology and Ethics within the Context of Globalization, Migration and Environmental Sustainability
January 23-24, 2008
A ‘Strategic Consultation Doing Theology and Ethics in the Context of Globaliztion, Migration, Environmental Sustainability’ took place in Stony Point Center, New York on January 23-24, 2008. The event was sponsored by the Synod of the Northeast and the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, Presbyterian Church.Context of the consultation was the rapidly deteriorating economic, human rights, political and environmental conditions and the purpose of the consultation was to convene experienced and seasonal clergy and lay leaders who will be in leadership roles in the church over the next 20 to 25 years. Around 60 participants consisting of pastors, theology professors, experts and activists deliberated on the topic. Philo Morris was a panelist on Trade and Employment. It was impressive to see the commitment of the ‘Coalition for healthy Ports’ commitment to labor, faith, community, environmental justice and business organizations seeking to create sustainable ports in New York and New Jersey, trying to improve the lives of the truck drivers of containers from the ports. Two truck drivers shared their experience of what it takes to be a truck driver at the port and the hardships they go through. They reminded that there is a family behind every truck driver. Their stories were very moving.