As informal and non-binding process the GFMD does not take formal decisions on the thematic issues it addresses. However, its outcomes and recommendations on innovative policies, and on practices that have proven effective in one country or region, can inspire appropriate actions in other places, from which all can benefit.
The Forum produces several types of concrete outcomes and impacts, ranging from policy changes at national, regional and international levels; specific recommendations taken further by governments or other stakeholders; projects and initiatives at national, bilateral or multilateral level emerging from GFMD discussions; to new partnerships between governments and between governments and other stakeholders.
As an non-operational body, the GFMD does not implement the concrete action proposals and recommendations it produces. Most outcomes are addressed directly to participating States, which may take these forward at the national, regional and international levels.