GENEVA 

A host of delegations from around the world on Wednesday gathered in Geneva to start the Global Refugee Forum.

The three-day forum, which is set to end on Friday, is the largest quadrennial international meeting on refugee issues.

Its purpose is to support practical implementation of the objectives outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees, which include easing pressures on host countries, enhancing refugee self-reliance, increasing access to third-country solutions, and improving conditions in countries of origin.

The gathering also allows states and stakeholders to make concrete commitments and contributions, showcase progress, share best practices, and assess the obstacles and prospects ahead regarding refugees.

It is co-convened by five states – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, and Uganda – and co-hosted by the government of Switzerland and the UN refugee agency UNHCR.

With refugee numbers rising due to armed conflicts, environmental pressures, and natural disasters, this year’s forum will press forward to help alleviate a growing international issue.