The GFMD Mayors Mechanism
In response to the growing recognition of the importance of cities in addressing migration governance challenges, the GFMD welcomed the establishment of the Mayors Mechanism in 2018 to engage local and regional governments (LRGs). Officially launched in Marrakesh at the Fifth Mayoral Forum Meeting following the Marrakesh GFMD Summit, the Mayors Mechanism provides a platform for LRGs to participate in GFMD discussions. The Mayors Mechanism also co-chairs the GFMD Ad-Hoc Working Group on Public Narratives on Migration with the governments of Canada and Ecuador.
Co-Steering Organizations
The Mayors Mechanism is co-steered by the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the Mayors Migration Council (MMC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Pledges and Commitments
Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees
In 2018, with the adoption of the Marrakech Mayors Declaration, LRGs pledged to implement the GCM and GCR in unison, as concrete pathways to achieve Agenda2030. To elevate this continued political commitment, Mayors Mechanism Steering Committee Members — in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), launched a Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees in 2022. Acknowledged by the UN Secretary-General in his 2021 GCM Report, the Call to Local Action offers a concrete avenue for LRGs to localise the both Compacts and for LRGs to be recognized for meeting global goals.
Piloted in 2019 and launched in May 2022 at the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), the Call to Local Action mobilised 70 actions and pledges, providing LRGs with a concrete avenue to localize the Compacts and gain global recognition. The effort was scaled and elevated ahead of the 2023 Global Refugee Forum and the 14th GFMD Summit.
For further information, please consult the Mayors Mechanism' website: www.mayorsmechanism.org