Foreword by the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection

Nine months ago, more than 3,000 people from many walks of life came together for the first Global Refugee Forum. As the world's largest gathering on refugees, the Forum marked a historic step in bringing the Global Compact on Refugees to life. Since then, the landscape in which we work has changed significantly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has shown us how important solidarity and burden sharing are in the face of crisis. Translating the more than 1,400 pledges and commitments made at the Forum into action is now more critical than ever.

Recently, we have been encouraging updates on the development of pledges and initiatives launched at the Forum. The answers we received give reason for optimism. Seventy per cent of the updates so far received have reported that the implementation of the pledges is now in progress. Of course, as we work collectively to respond to the pandemic and the devastating impact it has had on those forced to flee and the communities hosting them, difficult decisions had to be made. While some pledges have been adapted and redirected to reflect new realities, others have been accelerated in direct response to the pandemic.

I am pleased to share a series of updates highlighting progress towards implementation of the Pledges, Initiatives, and Support Platforms announced last December. As we are fast approaching the one-year anniversary of the Global Refugee Forum, please continue to share your updates here on the Digital Platform for the Global Compact on Refugees. 

In these uncertain times, we must continue to stand together to help people forced to flee build a better future.  

Gillian Triggs - UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection