I am interested in participating at the Migration Youth Forum

About the Forum

Q1: What is the Migration Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit?

A1: The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) has been the key government-led space shaping the global debate on migration and development, to which youth have been actively contributing since 2017 with unwavering support of the consecutive GFMD Chairs.  

As the Steering Group-mandated body for the self-organized coordination of participation of children and youth in the GFMD, MYCP, is organizing the 5th Migration Youth Forum as an official youth preparatory space to the XV Global Forum for Migration and Development Summit. This Forum will be on the already successful model implemented since 2018. 

The Migration Youth Forum aims to provide a platform for young leaders, activists, and advocates to come together and discuss pressing issues related to migration, refugees, and displaced populations in preparation for their participation in the GFMD Summit and Dialogue.

Q2: When and where will the Migration Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit take place?

A2: The forum will be held on the week of 9 June 2025 in Barranquilla, Colombia (exact day and location TBA). The GFMD Summit will follow on 11-13 June 2013 at the Puerta de Oro – Centro de Eventos.

Q3: How can I register for the forum?

A3: Interested applicants must fill out the following application form to be considered for selection to attend both the Migration Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit. The application form is quite comprehensive and will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. Only applications submitted via the official form will be accepted. Applications close 15 April 2025 at 23:59 CET. 

Only selected applicants will be able to attend the forum and can then register for the Summit.

Q4: Is there a registration fee for participants?

A4: Thanks to our partners, there is no registration fee to participate in neither the Migration Youth Forum nor the GFMD Summit. 

If you encounter any websites requesting a registration fee, kindly report them to franchesca.regala@unmgcy.org 

Q5: Will all attendees receive Certificates of Participation?

A5: All participants who commit to the dates of the Migration Youth Forum and GFMD Summit and demonstrate their active participation during the event (including all pre- and post- forum/summit events) will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Eligibility and Selection 

Q6: Who can participate in the forum?

A6: Interested candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria to apply:

• Age Range: Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of participation at the Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THE AGE REQUIREMENT.
• Language: In order to meaningfully participate in all discussions and capacity-building workshops, in-person participants should have at least an intermediate level of English (CEFR B2 level- a certificate is NOT required, but would be appreciated). 
• Commitment: Be able to fully commit to actively participate during the Youth Forum and/or GFMD Summit (June 9-13, 2025), as well as in any preparatory and post-event activities.
• Application Process: Duly fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline (15 April 2025 23:59 CET). We will accept responses in ENGLISH OR SPANISH.
• Ability to Travel: Be in a position to travel to the host country (Colombia). This includes having a valid passport or necessary travel documents for non-passport holders (e.g. CTD), and possibly obtaining a visa* if required.

Q7: What are the desirability criteria for selection?

A7: The selection committee will prioritize the following in candidate selection:

• Interest and Motivation: Quality and coherence of motivation and interest in specific key priorities of the GFMD summit and the Youth Forum.
• Relevant Experience: Consistent and proven experience in youth activism, advocacy, community engagement, or related fields. This could be through volunteer work, community projects, or involvement in relevant organizations with a preference for action in the field of migration. A recommendation letter from a professional or academic referee is a plus.
• Migrant, diaspora or refugee status: Individuals with lived experiences that they can combine with their track-record of engaging in priorities of the GFMD and the Youth Forum. Priority will also be given to representatives belonging from underrepresented groups.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Being open-minded, respectful of diverse cultures, and willing to engage in cross-cultural dialogue is crucial for participants in such forums. International experiences or previous participation in GFMD, GCM, IMRF or MYCP/ MGCY events is also a plus.

Q8: Can I apply for a special exemption if I do not meet the eligibility criteria for the age requirement?

A8: The Migration Youth Forum is a platform specifically designed to engage and empower young people in preparation for their participation at the GFMD Summit. Our main bid is to make sure that young people are included in these critical spaces for decision-making, as these spaces can tend to be exclusive and their participation in policy-making issues directly affecting them is often limited. 

Our current focus is thus on individuals within the age range of 18 to 30. This means that we will only be considering individuals who meet this criteria at the time of application and during their participation at the Youth Forum.

Q9: Will there be interpretation services at the forum?

A9: We are currently in the process of finalizing logistic arrangements to provide live interpretation in Spanish.

Q10: Do I need an official certificate to prove my proficiency in English?

A10: A certificate is not required, but test scores for any official language proficiency exams may be included in the application package to increase one’s chances of selection. 

What is most important for us is that all participants can exhibit this level through their communication of ideas and by making substantial and influential contributions to the discussions throughout the event. 

Q11: I am only interested in attending the online sessions. Can I participate online?

A11: The event will NOT take place in a hybrid format.

Q12: I am only available during certain dates of the program. Can I participate only on certain dates?

A12: The selection team will prioritize individuals who can fully commit to the dates of the event, including any preparatory or post-event sessions in relation to the Forum.

Q13: Do I need to have a valid visa prior to my application?

A13: No, you do not have a valid visa to travel to Colombia prior to application. You do however need to have a valid travel document (e.g., passport, national ID card) that allows you to eventually apply for a visa. 

Q14: Will MYCP provide visa assistance to selected applicants?

A14: Yes, MYCP will be supporting selected applicants in obtaining visas through providing them with official invitation letters. Please note however that MYCP is not able to guarantee the issuance of visas to any applicant and applicants are expected to make the necessary visa arrangements themselves.

Q15: Will accommodation be provided to all applicants?

A15:  For applicants who will be selected to receive scholarships, a group accommodation will be provided. More information on scholarships and funding can be found below.

Self-funded applicants, organization-representatives and official youth delegates from country delegations are welcome to stay in the same accommodation (with our official lodging partner) but will be responsible for making the necessary payments to cover their stay.

Scholarships and Funding

Q16: Are scholarships available for interested participants?

A16: Yes, a limited number of full scholarships are available for the upcoming Migration Youth Forum. 

Q17: Who can apply for scholarships?

A17: These scholarships are designed to support the in-person attendance of deserving individuals, ensuring that their valuable perspectives and voices are included in the GFMD’s discussions and activities. Priority will be given to those who are in vulnerable or disadvantaged situations

Q18: How can I apply for a scholarship?

A18: Scholarships are not awarded automatically. Applicants interested in being considered for the scholarship must explicitly express their intention in the dedicated section for scholarships in their application.

To maintain the integrity of the scholarship selection process, we have established a rigorous evaluation procedure. This process has been designed to ensure that the scholarships are awarded to the most deserving applicants, taking into account a variety of factors including financial need, commitment to the forum’s and MYCP’s goals at the GFMD, the overall quality of the application, background of the participant, and the potential impact of the applicant’s future projects.

Q19: My organization would like to cover the costs of my participation. How can I apply?

A19: During the application process, there is a section that asks to specify your source of funding. Kindly indicate that you will be sponsored by your organization and specify the name of your organization in the dedicated section.

Q20: Are there other sources of funding I can apply for?

A20: MYCP is currently in the process of strengthening its partnerships with organizations and governments that are in a position to provide additional funding.

However, we strongly encourage interested applicants to check and apply for external sources of funding to cover the costs of participating in our event.

Q21: When will the results for scholarship recipients be announced?

A21: Successful applicants will receive a message from our team regarding the results of the selection process on a rolling basis starting the 15th of April 2025. 

Please note that we will be prioritizing the communication of results to successful scholarship recipients who will be needing visas and additional assistance to participate in the event. 

I am interested in nominating (an) individual/s from my country/ organization/ university

Nominations

Q1: What is the Migration Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit?

A1: The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) has been the key government-led space shaping the global debate on migration and development, to which youth have been actively contributing since 2017 with unwavering support of the consecutive GFMD Chairs.  

As the Steering Group-mandated body for the self-organized coordination of participation of children and youth in the GFMD, MYCP,are organizing the 5th Migration Youth Forum as an official youth preparatory space to the XV Global Forum for Migration and Development Summit. This Forum will be on the already successful model implemented since 2018. 

The Migration Youth Forum aims to provide a platform for young leaders, activists, and advocates to come together and discuss pressing issues related to migration, refugees, and displaced populations in preparation for their participation in the GFMD Summit and Dialogue.

Q2: When and where will the Migration Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit take place?

A2: The forum will be held on the week of 9 June 2025 in Barranquilla, Colombia (exact day and location TBA). The GFMD Summit will follow on the 11-13 June 2013 at the Puerta de Oro – Centro de Eventos.

Q3: How can our organization, government, or university nominate a delegate to attend the Migration Youth Forum?

A3:  To nominate youth delegate/s to participate in our event, we invite you to share with them the application form so that they may be considered for selection. The applicant will be asked to state their affiliation and provide information on the nominating body and/or sponsor of their participation in the form.

Q4. What qualifications should a delegate possess?

A4: Delegates should fulfill the following eligibility criteria to be considered for selection: 

• Age Range: Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of participation at the Youth Forum and the GFMD Summit. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THE AGE REQUIREMENT.
• Language: In order to meaningfully participate in all discussions and capacity-building workshops, in-person participants should have at least an intermediate level of English (CEFR B2 level- a certificate is NOT required, but would be appreciated). 
• Commitment: Be able to fully commit to actively participate during the Youth Forum and/or GFMD Summit (June 9-13, 2025), as well as in any preparatory and post-event activities.
• Application Process: Duly fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline (15 April 2025 23:59 CET). We will accept responses in ENGLISH OR SPANISH.
• Ability to Travel: Be in a position to travel to the host country (Colombia). This includes having a valid passport or necessary travel documents for non-passport holders (e.x. CTD), and possibly obtaining a visa* if required.

In addition to these requirements, delegates with the following qualifications will be prioritized:

• Interest and Motivation: Quality and coherence of motivation and interest in specific key priorities of the GFMD summit and the Youth Forum. 
• Relevant Experience: Consistent and proven experience in youth activism, advocacy, community engagement, or related fields. This could be through volunteer work, community projects, or involvement in relevant organizations with a preference for action in the field of migration. A recommendation letter is a plus.
• Migrant, diaspora or refugee status: Individuals with lived experiences that they can combine with their track-record of engaging in priorities of the GFMD and the Youth Forum. Priority will also be given to representatives belonging from underrepresented groups.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Being open-minded, respectful of diverse cultures, and willing to engage in cross-cultural dialogue is crucial for participants in such forums. International experiences or previous participation in GFMD, GCM, IMRF or MYCP/ MGCY events is also a plus.

Q5: Can we nominate multiple delegates?

A5: Yes, you may nominate multiple participants. However, please note that there we have put in place diversity quotas, so not all nominated participants may be accepted.

Sponsorships and Contributions:

Q6: How can our organization sponsor a delegate’s participation in the forum?

A6: Please note the following options:

• Option 1: Sponsor a youth delegate from your country, organization, or university

We invite you to nominate a youth delegate(s) from your country, organization or university and sponsor their attendance by covering the costs of their participation. The youth delegate will be required to fulfil the eligibility criteria, and submit an application form providing information about the nominating body in a relevant field. Please note that nominations do not automatically guarantee the selection of the participant.

• Option 2: Sponsor a MYCP-nominated delegate from an underrepresented background

After the call for applications is closed in April, MYCP will be sharing profiles of outstanding candidates from marginalized communities to interested sponsors. After your approval, your sponsorship would directly facilitate their attendance. Please flag your interest to MYCP Global Focal Point and GFMD Lead (franchesca.regala@unmgcy.org) by 01 May 2025. This early notification is crucial for ensuring that youth delegates have sufficient time to submit their visa applications.

Q7: What are the estimated financial implications of sponsoring a participant’s attendance?

A7: The estimated cost of attendance of 1 youth participant is around 1500-2000 EUR for international delegates and around 300-650 EUR for local Colombian youth.

Q8: How does MYCP facilitate sponsorship contributions?

A8: MYCP welcomes both in-kind support and direct financial contributions: 

• In the case of a direct contribution we can sign a direct agreement with you, and we will report on the use of funds. 
• In case of an in-kind contribution (i.e. flights, accommodation etc are booked by you), we will remain available to coordinate logistics with your staff.

Impact

Q9: Why invest in youth engagement at the GFMD? 

A9: Since our establishment in 2017, in response to the Global Compact for Migration negotiations, the MYCP has been a crucial leader on consulting and engaging youth in the key areas where migration issues are discussed. 

MYCP is the mandated self-organised, independent global youth stakeholder group in migration, present in key spaces and projects involving youth and migration issues, at international and national levels. We were a group of young people (30 years old and below) passionate about migration and leading solutions on migration issues globally who began an organised youth movement at the GFMD Summit in Marrakech. 

With the support of IOM and UNICEF, this was supplemented through organising the first ever Migration Youth Forum, where 150 young people from 70+ countries came together to discuss migration issues around the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration. 

Invest in Youth! Help us ensure that youth are empowered and equipped to contribute in authoring the future we envision for all young migrants, including youth-on-the-move, young refugees and youth diaspora groups across the world.

For more information, we invite you to have a look our impact reports from previous years:

• Youth at the GFMD during the French Chairmanship
• Youth at the GFMD during the UAE Chairmanship
• Youth at the GFMD during Ecuador’s Chairmanship

Contacts and Additional Information

If you have any further questions, please contact franchesca.regala@unmgcy.org (cc: businessdevelopment@unmgcy.org and migrationgfp@unmgcy.org) with the subject line NOMINATIONS: Migration Youth Forum.

More information about the event is available on our website: https://migrationyouthchildrenplatform.org/gfmd-2024/

To learn more about the GFMD: https://www.gfmd.org/meetings/france-gfmd-2022-2023/overview 

To learn more about youth participation at the GFMD: https://www.gfmd.org/gfmd-youth-stakeholder-network