The Philippines has bestowed a Presidential Citation Award on IOM
for its support to the Second Global Forum on Migration and
Development (GFMD).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presented the award to IOM
representatives on Wednesday at the Malacañang presidential
palace.

Charles Harns, IOM's Regional Representative in Manila and Bruce
Reed, Director of IOM's Manila Administrative Centre, accepted the
award on behalf of the Organization.

"This award highlights the shared commitment of IOM and the
Philippine government to further enhance the link between migration
and development. It is a great honour," said Harns. 

The 2008 GFMD took place in October 2008 in Manila. Over 1,300
delegates from 163 UN Member and Observer States and 33
international organizations took part in the event.

The GFMD was established by governments and the UN Secretary
General in 2006 based on a recommendation of the UN High-Level
Dialogue on Migration and Development.

The first GFMD was hosted by the Belgian government in
2007.  The third Global Forum will take place in Athens,
Greece, in November of this year.

In support of the Philippine government's role as host for the
2008 GFMD, IOM facilitated coordination among and between
participating governments and organizations, provided input on
policy issues related to the Forum's topics, and provided
logistical and travel support to many of the visiting
delegations. 

Both IOM Director General William Lacy Swing and Deputy Director
General Ndioro Ndiaye took part in the Forum. 

For more information please contact:

Joanna Dabao

IOM Manila

Tel:  +63.2.8481260

E-mail: "mailto:jdabao@iom.int">jdabao@iom.int