 On February 28th, IOM will hold the first session of its yearly multi-stakeholder forum, the International Dialogue on Migration in New York City. This year we will focus on young migrants and the key role youth can play in planning good migration policies. We chose this topic because the needs and aspirations of young migrants are highly relevant to the current migration debate and because governments, civic representatives, international organizations, youths and diaspora groups have used past IOMs for greater efforts to be made engaging youth in the policymaking process. There are 1.8 billion people between the ages 10 and 24. They deserve a strong voice and a leading role in defining the policies of the societies in which they live. It is vital and in the best interest of governments that we include their voices in policymaking and give them a real stake in guiding their futures. This IOM provides a forum for young people, governments and other relevant actors to change best practices for empowering youths and harnessing their huge potential for promoting good policies. Together, we will support the United Nations youth strategies efforts to amplify youth voices and promote their involvement in global migration debates. I look forward to welcome you to an engaging discussion in New York.