Global Leaders Discuss Global Citizenship for Refugees

“During a time of tremendous global challenges including the refugee and migration crisis along with continued global economic volatility, the Forum aims to gather not only thinkers but those willing to take action to drive change on these important issues collaboratively,” says Armand Arton, the Forum’s Founder. “Our aim is to work together with governments, policymakers, philanthropists and global citizens to present public-private solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges – and then to work together to bring those solutions to life,” says Arton.

For the first time, the Forum will consider the impact of current mass migration trends and what those trends mean in the face of today’s political and economic uncertainty. "In the face of the escalating refugee crisis, we must respond together as global citizens, with the firm resolve to do what is right, to do what is fair, and to treat fellow human beings with the dignity they deserve. This is what the GCF is about, and I'm looking forward to being part of this year's discussions," shares Irina Bokova, Director-General of Unesco and a speaker at the Forum.

“Every day we are reading the headlines on the growing global refugee and migration crisis – a challenge bridging both the Middle East and Europe,” says Jacques Attali, French economist, writer and former advisor to the President of France and a speaker at this year’s Forum.

One potential solution to this challenge is the Global Citizen Tax which will be further discussed at the forum. The tax would be a simple levy on investor applications for residence or citizenship in EU countries. The proposed tax could mean big changes, potentially funding over a billion euros in the next five years. These funds demonstrate the positive impact global citizenship can have, whether it’s through the creation of jobs, aid for the agencies working with refugees or other economic stimulation to the impacted countries.

“We know that wealthy global migrants now act as drivers of economic growth, contributing around 50 billion euros of foreign direct investment to countries around the world, and by using some of the citizen investment funds to help solve the growing crisis, we can effect positive change that makes a tangible difference,” according to Arton.

The Forum will also empower discussions on what it means to be a global citizen and the opportunities for economic growth and mobility that globalization presents. “This year’s Forum will be a place for an open and honest dialogue on the changing global landscape, and our responsibility as global citizens to implement the ideas we discuss –together,” says Arton. He will be joined by some of the world’s thought leaders, government officials, policy makers and philanthropists who will gather to discuss these pressing issues and to innovative solutions to meet the changing global landscape.

In addition to Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, this year’s speakers include Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal; Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO and a number of other activists and public figures.

On October 8, 2015, the Forum will host the Global Citizen Gala. During the Gala, the 2015 Global Citizen Forum Award will be presented. The award honours individuals who have contributed to the development of global citizenship through their work within the global community. The gala also features a special performance by artist and activist, Wyclef Jean, who will also be speaking at the forum.