Programme overview
Programme overview
The Global Refugee Forum 2023 Official Programme included the plenary session, parallel high-level events and linked events.
The plenary session and high-level parallel events took place at the Palexpo in Geneva Switzerland from 13 to 15 December. Official linked events were held in a range of locations across Geneva from 11 December onwards.
Wednesday 13 December
All events listed below are held at the Palexpo.
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
| 07:00-08:45: Arrival and security control | |
|
09:00-13:00: Plenary session
|
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:30-15:00: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
13:30-16:00: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
15:30-17:00: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
|
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Evening: Nansen Refugee Award ceremony and reception (by invitation only) |
|
View the detailed outline for Wednesday 13 December for information on room locations, languages available and speakers.
Thursday 14 December
All events listed below are held at the Palexpo.
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
|
10:00-13:00: Plenary session, continued
|
11:00-12:30: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:30-15:00: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
13:30-16:00: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
16:00-17:30: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
|
View the detailed outline for Thursday 14 December for information on room locations, languages available and speakers.
Friday 15 December
All events listed below are held at the Palexpo.
| Main events | Parallel events |
|---|---|
|
10:00-13:00: Plenary session, continued
|
11:00-12:30: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
|
| 13:00-15:00: Lunch break |
13:00-14:30: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
13:30-16:00: Speakers’ Corner
|
|
15:00-18:00: Plenary session, continued
|
15:00-16:30: Parallel high-level events
Please see the detailed daily outline for exact timings of parallel high-level events as some have adjusted timings.
|
Linked events
Exhibitions at the Forum
The Global Refugee Forum featured a range of stalls, installations and talks held within the Palexpo's exhibition space.
Download and print documents
Version updated: 15 December 2023
Programme Explanatory Note
Plenary session
1. The GRF plenary session will be held from 13 to 15 December 2023 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events* held in other locations from 11 December onwards. The opening of the GRF on 13 December will include high-level representation from the co-hosts and co-convenors, together with the United Nations Secretary-General. Discussion in plenary will then allow for governments and other stakeholders, time permitting, to make interventions and announce pledges, in accordance with protocol.
2. The plenary will be interspersed with "GCR in Action" moments, during which multi-stakeholder pledges that contribute to the GCR objectives and GRF 2023 key outcomes will be announced. These pledging moments will highlight the most impactful and transformative pledges, while offering an opportunity to demonstrate the multi-stakeholder and partnership approach envisioned in the GCR.
Parallel high-level events
3. The GRF 2023 will feature three days of parallel high-level events at Palexpo which are being developed in consultation with representatives of the GCR initiatives and partners involved in the multi-stakeholder pledges. These high-level events are intended to spotlight multi-stakeholder pledges, contributions, lessons learned, and good practices in support of the GCR objectives and proposed key outcomes of the GRF. A range of dynamic formats will be used, and the events will feature a broad and diverse array of speakers from different stakeholder groups, including forcibly displaced and stateless persons. These events will take place on 11 December, prior to the start of the GRF, as well as at select times during the Forum, from 13 to 15 December.
GRF ecosystem
4. The final GRF 2023 programme will include all events, both at the GRF venue (Palexpo) and offsite, including exhibitions, talks, linked events for GRF participants, and public events that showcase contributions to the Global Compact on Refugees.
For further information, contact [email protected].
*Linked events are high-level events taking place offsite from Palexpo on the advance day of 11 December and during the GRF on 13-15 December.
Logistics and practical information
View the logistics page for more information on attending the Forum, including the venue map and security details.