Migration is a global phenomenon and must therefore be tackled both within the scope of domestic migration policy and at the global level. The Global Programme is active in various settings to achieve closer international cooperation and plays a pioneering role in this regard – particularly because it can bring its practical experience from the field to the policy dialogue and because it has been successful in ensuring that new approaches and declarations of intent are implemented. The Swiss participation at international processes is coordinated within an inter-departmental working group lead by the Human Security Division (FDFA) with the participation of the Federal Office of Migration, the States Secretariat of Economic Affairs and various Divisions of the FDFA:
In 2011, Switzerland chaired the Global Forum on Migration and Development. The SDC took a leading role through its contribution of development-specific knowledge. The SDC has supported the forum for many years and has made a decisive contribution to bringing about some fundamental conceptual changes: Migration is no longer perceived as a problem for development cooperation, but rather as an opportunity for development. Migration is now anchored in the political agenda of the United Nations and is regarded as an important factor of international cooperation. Population dynamics and demographic developments are key elements in designing the new framework to succeed the Millennium Developments Goals after 2015.
In addition to be actively involved in dialogue processes, the Global Program also funds projects at global level intended to both support international as well as national processes. An example thereof would be KNOMAD which stands for "Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development" - a World Bank initiative. SDC supports this new platform, which, in collaboration with academics and the Global Migration Group collects the results of studies conducted worldwide. They show the impact of migration on development, and vice versa. The aim is to provide decision-makers with information based on sound scientific research.
