The second Global Refugee Forum Progress Review concluded in Geneva, with over 30 new pledges announced to support refugees and the communities hosting them. The three-day gathering reaffirmed international solidarity and commitment to improving access to employment, education, and sustainable solutions, including voluntary returns and safe pathways to third countries. Since the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019, nearly 3,500 commitments have been made across 47 thematic and regional areas, involving more than 1,300 actors, including States.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi emphasized the ongoing importance of refugee protection and the right to seek asylum, noting that despite financial challenges, global commitment to justice, delivery, and rights remains strong. The Forum highlighted the critical leadership of States, with Syria pledging to support sustainable refugee returns and Lebanon making complementary commitments. Sweden focused on protection and access to services to reduce dangerous journeys, while Germany reaffirmed support for humanitarian, development, and peace-building initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritania, Sudan, and Syria.
Private sector actors also contributed significantly, with innovative initiatives such as the Swiss Cardano Foundation Impact Exchange-Traded Product, which channels revenues to refugee programmes using blockchain technology. The Women’s Committee at USA for UNHCR committed $15 million for refugee tertiary education scholarships, while the Grundfos Foundation pledged $3 million to expand solar-powered water systems in refugee settings. Philanthropic contributions included $10 million from Qatar Charity to the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees, and corporate partners such as ANTA Group renewed multi-year initiatives supporting displaced children and youth.
Sports organizations played a unique role, with World Athletics supporting refugee athletes for upcoming events like the Dakar Youth Olympics 2026 and the World Athletics Championships in 2027. LIV Golf introduced a dual investment model to support protection, education, health, and sport-for-integration programmes for up to one million displaced people.
Refugees themselves were central to the discussions, with over 250 participants sharing their experiences and shaping solutions. Refugee-led organizations emphasized the importance of policies reflecting the priorities of displaced populations, particularly in advancing global resettlement and safe third-country pathways.
The Progress Review, co-hosted by UNHCR and Switzerland and co-convened by Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, and Uganda, brought together nearly 1,500 participants from 150 countries, including government officials, international organizations, civil society, and private sector leaders. Serving as a key platform midway between Global Refugee Forums, the meeting advanced the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees by reviewing past pledges and announcing new commitments to accelerate solutions for displaced populations worldwide.
