Sights and Sounds: GELS and Global Partners Gather in New York
The United Nations' International Migration Review Forum offered an opportunity to advocate and connect
Earlier this month, a transnational delegation of migrant-led and immigration advocacy leaders that included Global Ecumenical Liaisons and global partners gathered in New York for the United Nations’ International Migration Review Forum 2026.
For some partners, travel arrangements began years before the UN forum. Lengthy visa processes, fundraising to offset the cost of travel, and accommodations all needed to be arranged leading up to the gathering. To show their support and to help partners navigate New York City’s transportation system, GELS and staff from the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations greeted partners at the airport and accompanied them to their housing.
Throughout the week, the delegation attended formal meetings at the United Nations and participated in side events hosted by non-governmental organizations. Rey Asis of the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (left) and Pervez Siddiqui of the Films 4 Peace Foundation in Bangladesh (right) participated in side-events during the IMRF.
At times, access to translation and interpretation was limited during side events and at formal proceedings at the United Nations. When needed, GELS and their colleagues with Presbyterian Life & Witness offered side-by-side translations.
At the end of each day, the delegation gathered at the PMUN office, located across the street from the UN at the Church Center for the United Nations, for a collective debrief where they shared learnings, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration in the future.
On their last night together, the delegation gathered for communion. In the days that followed GELS and partners parted ways with a newfound sense of community and a sustained commitment to humane and dignified migration around the world.
You may freely reuse and distribute this article in its entirety for non-commercial purposes in any medium. Please include author attribution, photography credits, and a link to the original article. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDeratives 4.0 International License.
