1. Migrating Towards a Global Compact: The UN Strives for an Agreement
ICN Regulation and Credentialing Forum
Franklin A. Shaffer, EdD, RN, FAAN, FFNMRCSI
President and Chief Executive Officer
CGFNS International, Inc.

2. We live in a very unique time in history
We live in a very unique time in history. Technological innovations bring about rapid changes in the work environment, give room for creative disruption of organizations and work roles, and inspire profound intellectual and social advancements.
Human Mobility has scaled to unprecedented levels. And the Global Compact expresses our collective commitment to creating the political, socioeconomic and technical conditions for international migration to become a more transparent and ethical process. Migration has the potential to enrich every single society, and the fact that it has different effects in our countries has to be approached, understood and resolved.
It’s my goal today to talk about how the Global Compact’s Vision can advance our common objective of sharing responsibilities in ways that human mobility will be perceived and lived positively in all countries. Let me first talk about trends in human mobility.

3. But it is “one of the defining issues of the 21st century”
“Migration is one of the defining issues of the twenty-first century. It is now an essential, inevitable and potentially beneficial component of the economic and social life of every country and region.”
Brunson McKinley,Former Director General
International Organization for Migration

4. Global Mobility in the 21st Century
Mobility is a Global Phenomenon Within and Across Regions
266 Million
Number of international migrants worldwide
1 Billion
1 in every 7 persons in the world is a migrant
7 out of 10 are of working age*
*20-64 years of age
Based on the latest statistics from the International Council of Nurses,
3.2 % migrating; 96.8% not migrating – ties this in with evaluation versus validation and their respective powers.
7 out of 10 of working age – labor mobility.
48%
(IOM World Report 2018)

5. Nurses are a Significant Part of Global Mobility
Recent Annual Inflow of Foreign Educated Nurses to OECD Countries (OECD)

6. UN Global Compact for Migration: Origins
260M people living outside their countries of origin; 49% growth since 2000
Migration is poorly managed, as evidenced by humanitarian crises, human trafficking, and human rights violations
Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals requires coordinated action on migration

7. Nurses have had many of the Same Problems as Other Migrants
Holding of documents by employers
Remittances sent home and their impact on economies (and exploitative fees by money transfer vendors)
Onerous breach fees leading to virtual indentured servitude
Visa policies that trap nurses with employers
Lack of governmental support and legal redress for problems

8. The Emergence of the UN Global Compact for Migration
UN has conventions on refugees (1951), women’s rights (1979) that focus on aspects of migration, but nothing covering migration as a whole
Goal is to improve governance on migration, address challenges associated with migration, and strengthen contribution of migrants to sustainable development
GCM represents a "360 degree" approach to holistically evaluating migration

9. Principles of Other Efforts Support the UN Global Compact for Migration
ILO has a Fair Migration Agenda based on principles of its fundamental conventions, including the 2006 Multilateral Framework on Labor Migration
Focus on migrant workers in particular
IOM, now the UN Migration Agency, has a Migration Governance Framework with 3 principles:
adherence to international standards,
evidence-based and whole-of-government approaches,
and engagement with partners
WHO Code of Global Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel launched in 2010
Ethical recruitment, sustainability of health systems, international cooperation, and data exchange are key principles

10. Migration is not a New Phenomenon
“We have never lived in a world without migration. There are different theories about how humans came to be on this planet. One thing we can all agree on, however, is that we have always moved. We have always migrated. As a global phenomenon, migration demands a global response, led by a global framework.”
Miroslav Lajčák, President of the UN General Assembly

11. Vision
GCM expresses collective commitment to improving cooperation on international migration
Migration is not a new phenomenon
Migration can be source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development
International migration must unite us, not divide us

12. Common Understanding
Migration is a defining feature of our globalized world, connecting societies within and across all regions
Continuous need to strengthen our knowledge and analysis of migration
Must gather and share more data
Must ensure all migrants are informed about their options, rights, and duties

13. Shared Responsibility
Comprehensive approach necessary to optimize benefits of migration
No country can address migration alone
GCM aims to reduce vulnerabilities migrants face at all stages of migration
GCM aims to create conditions that enable migrants to enrich our societies through their human, economic, and social capacities

14. Unity of Purpose
Migration works for all when it takes placed in a well-informed, planned, consensual manner
Member nations unite to address to challenges and opportunities of migration in all its dimensions through shared responsibility
GCM is a milestone, but not the end of our efforts

15. Guiding Principles People-centered International cooperation
National sovereignty
Rule of law and due process
Sustainable development
Human rights
Gender-responsive
Child-sensitive
Whole-of-government approach
Whole-of-society approach
All principles in the Compact are equally valuable and deserve careful attention to be understood, treated and implemented. As a healthcare professional, caring for others has always been my major focus. Thus I’ll comment on the three principles that more directly deal with care.
People-centered: The compact brings people, organizations and countries together to work for the well-being of migrants and the members of communities in countries of origin, transit, destination and return. The compact promotes the basic yet fundamental notion that they all deserve to be treated equally and ethically.
Human rights: No one can effectively address migration on its own due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of the phenomenon. Migration is inherently hybrid combining different nationalities, race, ethnicities and social strata. The Compact aims at protecting the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, and during all stages of the migration cycle.
Child-sensitive: Many migrants go through severe hardships. And that’s no exception for children, including unaccompanied and separated children. The compact works to preserve a child’s dignity and right for basic standards of treatment at all times.

16. International Cooperation
People-Centered
GCM places individuals at its core
International Cooperation
GCM is non-legally binding, but requires cooperation. No nation can address migration alone
National Sovereignty
GCM reaffirms right of States to exert sovereign jurisdiction with regard to national migration policy
Rule of Law
Respect for rule of law and due process is fundamental to all aspects of migration governance
Sustainable Development
GCM is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

17. Whole-of-Government Approach
Human Rights
GCM is guided by international human rights law
Gender-Responsive
Particular focus placed on empowerment of women and girls
Child-Sensitive
GCM upholds best interests of child in migration
Whole-of-Government Approach
Migration is multidimensional reality that cannot be addressed by one government policy or sector
Whole-of-Society Approach
Multi-stakeholder partnerships necessary, including migrants, diasporas, civil society, academia, private sector, etc.

18. 22 Objectives for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
1.Data 2. Minimize adverse drivers 3. Information 4. Legal identity 5. Migration pathways 6. Fair and ethical recruitment 7. Reduce vulnerabilities 8. Find missing migrants 9. Respond to smuggling 10. Prevent human trafficking 11. Manage borders 12. Predictability in migration
13. Minimize migration detention
14. Enhance consular protection
15. Provide basic services
16. Full inclusion and social cohesion
17. Eliminate discrimination
18. Skills development and recognition
19. Contribute to sustainable development
20. Remittances
21. Facilitating return
22. Portable benefits
The Global Compact and those who abide by its terms will commit to strengthen the global evidence base on international migration by improving and investing in the collection, analysis and dissemination of accurate, reliable, comparable data
Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
Harmonize methodologies on collection, analysis and dissemination of migration-related data and indicators to achieve international compatibility between national data systems
Develop a global program to build and enhance national capacities in data collection, analysis and dissemination
Opportunities for CGFNS – global repository; certifier for blockchain with HP data for migration
Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
Promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Invest in programs that accelerate States’ fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals -promote entrepreneurship, human protection- to minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin, including poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, employment creation
CGFNS supporting the IOM, ICNM sharing information, and restorative credentialing/professional identity for migrants
Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
This is about HR and gender responsive, cross regional labour mobility
Commitment to adapt options and pathways for regular migration in a manner that reflects demographic and global labor market realities, optimizes education opportunities, reunites families, and facilitates access to human rights protection
CGFNS assists HP migrants to be in preferential channel

19. Key Objectives for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
1. Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies 2. Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin 5. Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
The Global Compact and those who abide by its terms will commit to strengthen the global evidence base on international migration by improving and investing in the collection, analysis and dissemination of accurate, reliable, comparable data
Collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence-based policies
Harmonize methodologies on collection, analysis and dissemination of migration-related data and indicators to achieve international compatibility between national data systems
Develop a global program to build and enhance national capacities in data collection, analysis and dissemination
Opportunities for CGFNS – global repository; certifier for blockchain with HP data for migration
Minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin
Promote the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Invest in programs that accelerate States’ fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals -promote entrepreneurship, human protection- to minimize the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin, including poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, employment creation
CGFNS supporting the IOM, ICNM sharing information, and restorative credentialing/professional identity for migrants
Enhance availability and flexibility of pathways for regular migration
This is about HR and gender responsive, cross regional labour mobility
Commitment to adapt options and pathways for regular migration in a manner that reflects demographic and global labor market realities, optimizes education opportunities, reunites families, and facilitates access to human rights protection
CGFNS assists HP migrants to be in preferential channel

20. Key Objectives for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
6. Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work 10. Prevent and combat trafficking in persons in the context of international migration 16. Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion
Commitment to review existing recruitment mechanisms to guarantee that they are fair and ethical, and to protect all migrant workers against all forms of exploitation and abuse in order to guarantee decent work and maximize the socioeconomic impact of migrants in both their countries of origin and destination
Facilitate fair and ethical recruitment and safeguard conditions that ensure decent work
Encourage signature, ratification, accession and implementation of all relevant international instruments related to international labor mobility
CGFNS developed guidelines through the Alliance 
By using blockchain and certification, CGFNS can guarantee that documentation and data cannot be confiscated
Prevent and combat trafficking in persons in the context of international migration
The goal here is to reduce legal and practical barriers to preventing and combating trafficking in persons in the context of international migration by strengthening international cooperation and ending impunity of trafficking networks.
Promotion of CGFNS leadership role with all HP groups globally- networker, influencer etc: “ CGFNS as the eyes and the ears through its network”
Empower migrants and societies to realize full inclusion and social cohesion
This one is about strengthening welfare, educating public, inclusive labour market, eliminating discriminatory restrictions
Exchange and implement best practices on integration policies
Establish comprehensive pre-departure and post-arrival programs that include basic language training
Develop short, medium and long term targets to accelerate inclusion of migrants in societies

21. Key Objectives for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
18. Invest in skills development and facilitate recognition of skills, qualifications and competences 19. Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries
Commitment to invest in solutions that facilitate recognition of skills, qualifications and competences of migrant workers at all skills levels, and promote skills development for the full employability of migrants in labor markets in countries of destination and in countries of origin upon return.
Invest in skills development and facilitate recognition of skills, qualifications and competences
This is about facilitation, recognition of skills, qualification and competencies of migrant workers
Conclude bilateral, regional or multilateral mutual recognition agreements or include recognition provisions in broader labour mobility or trade agreements in order to provide equivalence in national systems
Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries
Commitment to empower all migrants and diasporas to amplilfy their development contributions, and to harness the benefits of migration as a source of sustainable development in our countries.

22. Implementation of the Global Compact
Countries requested to implement the Global Compact
Bilateral, regional, multilateral cooperation is suggested
Capacity building and development of technical expertise
Leading role for IOM

23. Follow-Up to the Global Compact
“International Migration Review Forum” to be held every four years as platform to discuss implementation of the Compact, including its relation to the sustainable development goals
Regional meetings and data, evidence, and best practices from others to inform these global meetings

24. UN Global Compact for Migration: Step forward in Nurse Recruitment
First time UN has fully addressed migration as a whole
Bolsters other initiatives, including the WHO Code, by providing a comprehensive set of principles to foster safe, orderly migration
People-centered focus with whole-of-government and society efforts is key to health care / health worker migration policy

25. Initiatives Work Together to Promote Ethical Nurse Recruitment

26. GCM Lends Credence to Existing Efforts
Provides overarching framework for safe, orderly migration
Principles support efforts of other multi-national and local initiatives
“Top down” code that provides guidance for member states
Applies to member states around the world
Used the Alliance Code as a model
Voluntary, with reporting obligations for member states
“Bottoms up” code that provides guidance for active stakeholders including recruiters and employers
Focused on recruitment to the U.S.
Served as a model for the WHO Code and other approaches
Voluntary, with reporting obligations for certified ethical firms (CER)

27. CGFNS and the Alliance are Advancing GCM Principles in Nursing
Study on State of Nurse Recruitment includes qualitative interviews and survey data from employers, recruiters, and nurses to identify what has changed in last decade
Rights-based new Code represents a people-centered approach that recognizes human rights, sustainable development, and access to due process
Shaffer, Bakhshi, Jacobs. “Advocating to Protect Our Nurses: Addressing Unethical Recruitment of Foreign-Educated Nurses.” Nursing Administration Quarterly, 2018.

28. Advancing the Compact’s Vision
“Migrants have the right to become full members of our societies. They enrich other cultures by sharing the wealth of their experiences. Nations, communities and migrants alike will benefit immensely from greater transparency and predictability regarding the steps and outcomes during the migration process. The Global Compact offers a comprehensive framework for empowering and protecting those who wish to leave their native cultures to experience and participate in a different one.”

29. Walt Disney said over 25 years ago: “It’s a small world after all
Walt Disney said over 25 years ago: “It’s a small world after all.” Walter didn’t know--or maybe he did--that we are living in a more connected world that is bringing us closer every second of the day. I believe we can and must achieve a safe, orderly and regular migration compact. If not now when ,society deserves it .

30. Thank You
Franklin A. Shaffer, EdD, RN, FAAN, FFNMRCSI President & Chief Executive Officer CGFNS International, Inc. Tel #: