The Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is convening an Ad Hoc Expert Meeting on the Contribution of Migrants to Development: Trade, Investment and Developmental Links.
Logistics
The meeting will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva, Palais des Nations. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in all languages. Upon arrival and before entering the Palais des Nations, participants are requested to collect their badge at the United Nations Security Service at Pregny Gate. The Security Service is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (non-stop). Because of the security measures in force, participants are strongly advised to arrive before 9 a.m. in order to complete the procedures and reach the meeting in good time. Participants are requested to bring a passport or similar national identity card with them. Taxis are not allowed to enter the grounds of the Palais des Nations, and visitors will therefore be dropped off at the requested entrance gate. Furthermore, luggage may not be brought into the buildings unless the Security Service gives special clearance.
Participation
The meeting is open to all member States of UNCTAD. The meeting may be of particular interest to government officials, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups, and representatives of the private sector involved with issues related to migration and development.
In addition, experts from international and regional organizations dealing with migration- and development-related issues will also be invited.
Member states, specialized agencies and intergovernmental bodies wishing to participate in the meeting, as well as non-governmental organizations in the General Category and those in the Special Category wishing to participate as observers, are requested to inform the UNCTAD secretariat of the names of their representatives by 15 July 2009.
Documents and contributed papers
All experts are encouraged to prepare and submit brief papers related to "The Contribution of Migrants to Development: Trade, Investment and Development Links" in their countries. These papers will be made available at the meeting in the form and language in which they are received.
Further information and contact details
Nominations and related communications concerning representation at the meeting should be sent to the UNCTAD secretariat, Intergovernmental Support Service, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10; fax: 41 22 917 0214; e-mail: meetings@unctad.org.
Enquiries concerning substantive issues should be addressed to Ms. Mina Mashayekhi, Head, Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch, tel: 41 22 917 5866; e-mail: mina.mashayekhi@unctad.org; or Ms. Deepali Fernandes, tel: 41 22 917 5652; fax: 41 22 917 0044; e-mail: deepali.fernandes@unctad.org.
(signed)
Supachai Panitchpakdi
Secretary-General of UNCTAD
25 June 2009