UNHCR: Global refugee gathering ends with substantial new solidarity pledges

GENEVA - Over 30 new pledges were made at the second Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, which concluded today after three days of collaboration that reaffirmed international solidarity and commitment to improving the lives of refugees and the communities that host them.

The new pledges were announced at the gathering in areas including refugee access to employment and education, and lasting solutions such as sustaining voluntary return home and safe pathways to third countries. That brought the total commitments and pledges since the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019 to almost 3,500 across 47 thematic and regional areas, involving over 1,300 actors including States.

"This is the most important refugee forum in the world. I heard here loud and clear the commitment to the international protection of refugees and the right to seek asylum. These principles remain the same, even if the tools to manage them are evolving," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "It has been a very difficult year from a financial point of view, and we have taken a hit, but we will not be weakened in terms of defending delivery, justice and rights."

States continued to demonstrate critical leadership and commitment to refugees. In a significant first pledge, Syria committed to supporting sustainable refugee returns and to promoting better conditions for voluntary returns after over a decade of crisis, complemented by pledges from host countries such as Lebanon. Sweden pledged to advance protection and solutions, helping refugees access safety and services where they find themselves, and reducing the need for dangerous journeys. Germany reaffirmed its support for humanitarian, development and peace-building policies, while backing key national inclusion plans in Ethiopia, Kenya and Mauritania, as well as pledging assistance to Sudan and Syria.

The private sector stepped up with initiatives like the cutting-edge Swiss Cardano Foundation Impact Exchange-Traded Product, which uses blockchain-based technology to channel revenues from regulated investments to refugee programmes. There was a $15 million commitment from the Women's Committee at USA for UNHCR, a national fundraising partner, to support refugee tertiary education scholarships. The Grundfos Foundation pledged $3 million to expand the Project Flow innovative financing mechanism, advancing solar powered water systems in refugee settings. Philanthropic partners advanced solutions, including continued advocacy and financial support from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Qatar Charity's $10 million commitment to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees. Corporates also increased engagement; ANTA Group renewed its three-year 'Moving for Change' partnership with UNHCR to expand support for displaced children and youth worldwide.

Sports groups also played a key role, with World Athletics committing to nurture refugee athletes for the Dakar Youth Olympics 2026, the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and beyond. LIV Golf also launched a first-of-its-kind dual investment model to support protection, education, health and sport-for-integration programmes for up to million displaced people.

Refugees themselves led the way towards finding solutions, committing to strengthen their own participation in global resettlement and safe pathways to third countries, ensuring lived experience of displacement shapes policies and drives progress. Indeed, over 250 refugees and people with direct experience of displacement and statelessness participated in the Progress Review, alongside refugee-led organizations. Their voices were central in discussions, ensuring that solutions reflected the priorities of those most affected.

The meeting - co-hosted by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Switzerland, and co-convened by Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda - took place from 15 to 17 December at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG). It brought together nearly 1,500 participants from around 150 countries, including senior government officials, heads of international organizations, civil society representatives, and private sector leaders.

Held midway between Global Refugee Forums, the Progress Review remains a key platform to advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees - a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing adopted by member states in 2018. Participants reviewed progress on pledges made at previous Forums and announced new commitments to accelerate solutions.

For more information, please contact:

• In Geneva, Matthew Saltmarsh: [email protected], +41 79 967 99 36
• In Geneva, Carlotta Wolf: [email protected], +41 79 546 67 07