Geneva, Switzerland, October 5-6, 2023 – PAM Ambassador to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, Gerhard Putman Cramer, represented the Assembly at the Second Session of the International Dialogue on Migration 2023, themed "Think about Tomorrow, Act Today: The Future of Human Mobility and Climate Change." The event took place at the InterContinental Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. Ambassador Putman Cramer was accompanied by a member of the Libyan parliamentary delegation to PAM.
The global response to the intersection of climate change and human mobility is at a critical juncture. The United Nations Secretary-General's warning that current policies could lead to a catastrophic temperature rise of 2.8 degrees Celsius by the end of the century highlights the urgency of the matter. In 2022, 32 million people were displaced worldwide due to climate-related disasters, emphasizing the daily challenges faced by migrants forced to leave their homes due to environmental pressures.
The Second Session of the International Dialogue on Migration 2023 provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions aimed at identifying future solutions. The event addressed the pressing need for immediate action, bringing together representatives from States, the United Nations system, civil society, the private sector, and communities to transform approaches in the face of the climate crisis.
Ambassador Putman Cramer, participated in a panel untitled "Think about Tomorrow, Act Today". In his address, he emphasized the devastating impact of the climate crisis on the Euro-Mediterranean region, which is experiencing alarming rates of temperature rise, desertification, rising sea levels, and water scarcity. The region has been profoundly affected by extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods, leading to significant loss and displacement recently, particularly in countries such as Greece, Türkiye, and Libya. He recalled that PAM countries are mostly countries of transit and destination, with their own sets of challenging issues in the face of increased migratory movements.
Ambassador Putman Cramer added that PAM fully supports the implementation of the 23 objectives outlined in the Global Compact on Migration, and Objective 8, "saving lives" in particular. He recalled that PAM advocates for the recognition of "environmental refugees" as a legal concept in international law. PAM will be present at COP 28 to continue raising awareness of the impact of the climate crisis on human mobility in the region. //