International Relations : International Organisations

Q 2 / 59

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation:

  1. The 'Colombo Process' is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus.
  2. The 'Abu Dhabi Dialogue' is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility.
  3. The 'Global Forum for Migration and Development', created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Explanation

Multilateral cooperation platforms regarding migration and labour mobility are categorized based on their membership, geographical focus, and the legal nature of their outcomes. These platforms generally function as Regional Consultative Processes (RCPs) or global forums that emphasize dialogue over mandatory regulation.

  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: The 'Colombo Process' (Regional Consultative Process on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin in Asia) is a non-binding and informal regional consultative process. While it operates on the principle of consensus, its decisions and recommendations do not have a legally binding character on its member states.
  • Statement 2 is Correct: The 'Abu Dhabi Dialogue' (ADD) was established in 2008 as a voluntary, non-binding inter-governmental consultative process. It serves as a platform for cooperation between Asian countries of labour origin (mostly Colombo Process members) and destination (primarily GCC states) to improve the management of temporary contractual labour mobility.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: The 'Global Forum on Migration and Development' (GFMD) was proposed by the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the 2006 High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development. It is a state-led, informal, and non-binding process outside the formal UN system that allows governments and stakeholders to discuss the multi-dimensional aspects of migration and development.

Key Takeaway: Most international and regional consultative processes concerning migration, such as the Colombo Process, Abu Dhabi Dialogue, and GFMD, are characterized by their voluntary and non-binding nature to encourage open dialogue among sovereign states.

SOURCEUpsc Cse Prelims Gs Paper I 2026