Programme overview
Programme overview
Global Refugee Forum 2023 Programme overview
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 will take place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations from 12 December onwards. View the logistics page for more information on the location and venue map.
Programme Explanatory Note
Plenary session
1. The GRF plenary session will be held from 13 to 15 December 2023 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events* held in other locations from 12 December onwards. The opening of the GRF on 13 December will include high-level representation from the co-hosts and co-convenors, together with the United Nations Secretary-General. Discussion in plenary will then allow for governments and other stakeholders, time permitting, to make interventions and announce pledges, in accordance with protocol.
2. The plenary will be interspersed with "GCR in Action" moments, during which multi-stakeholder pledges that contribute to the GCR objectives and GRF 2023 key outcomes will be announced. These pledging moments will highlight the most impactful and transformative pledges, while offering an opportunity to demonstrate the multi-stakeholder and partnership approach envisioned in the GCR.
Parallel high-level events
3. The GRF 2023 will feature three days of parallel high-level events at Palexpo which are being developed in consultation with representatives of the GCR initiatives and partners involved in the multi-stakeholder pledges. These high-level events are intended to spotlight multi-stakeholder pledges, contributions, lessons learned, and good practices in support of the GCR objectives and proposed key outcomes of the GRF. A range of dynamic formats will be used, and the events will feature a broad and diverse array of speakers from different stakeholder groups, including forcibly displaced and stateless persons. These events will take place on 12 December, prior to the start of the GRF, as well as at select times during the Forum, from 13 to 15 December.
GRF ecosystem
4. The final GRF 2023 programme will include all events, both at the GRF venue (Palexpo) and offsite, including exhibitions, talks, linked events for GRF participants, and public events that showcase contributions to the Global Compact on Refugees. Details of such events will be shared in an updated version of the programme closer to the Forum.
For further information, contact [email protected].
*Linked events are high-level events taking place offsite from Palexpo on the advance day of 12 December and during the GRF on 13-15 December.
Tuesday 12 December – Advance day
Advance linked events* (offsite)
|
Time |
Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00-16:00 | Education Campus | Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Centre |
| 14:00-15:30 | Launching of the Commemorations of Cartagena +40 (by invitation only) | Palais des Nations - Room XVII |
| 16:00-17:30 | Multi-stakeholder approaches towards ending statelessness | Geneva Hotel (TBC) and hybrid format |
| 18:30-20:00 | A scalable model to provide high-quality English courses enabling female refugees greater access to higher education | JWL Headquarters |
| 18:30-20:30 | Promoting evidence-based implementation of the GCR through teaching, research and solidarity | Maison de la Paix |
Wednesday 13 December
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
| 07:00-08:45: Arrival and security control | |
|
09:00-13:00: Plenary session
|
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:30-15:00: Parallel high-level events
13:10-14:50: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
15:30-17:00: Parallel high-level events
|
| Evening: Nansen Refugee Award ceremony and reception (by invitation only) | |
Thursday 14 December
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
|
10:00-13:00: Plenary session, continued
|
11:00-12:30: Parallel high-level events
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:00-15:00: Parallel high-level events
13:10-14:50: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
16:00-17:30: Parallel high-level events
|
|
16:00-18:20: Linked event
15by30 multi-stakeholder pledge on Refugee Higher Education and Self-Reliance at Maison de la Paix
|
|
|
16:00-21:30: Linked event
Sport activities with and for refugees at École Internationale de Genève - Campus des Nations |
|
|
TBC: Linked event
University Refugee Forum at The University of Geneva |
|
|
16:00-21:30: Linked event
Local And Regional Governments Day – Location TBC |
Friday 15 December
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
|
10:00-13:00: Plenary session, continued
|
11:00-12:30: Parallel high-level events
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:30-15:00: Parallel high-level events
13:10-14:50: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
15:15-16:45: Parallel high-level events
|
Version updated: 15 November 2023
Precise timing for parallel events TBC
Logistics and practical information
View the logistics page for more information on attending the Forum, including the venue map and security details.