Minister of State for Security Policy and International Cooperation István Mikola represented Hungary at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 23–24 May. Mr. Mikola chaired the plenary meeting of the summit on 23 May.
The Minister of State informed the plenary meeting of Hungary’s views on the global context of the migration issue. He said that mass migration is currently one of the world’s most significant problems, and one which can only be tackled through broad international cooperation. In his speech he also raised awareness of the necessity of consolidation and reconstruction. He declared that, considering the gravity of the issue, migration related challenges should be addressed by finding comprehensive political solutions and offering real, tangible responses. He underlined the importance of key international stakeholders – particularly the central role of the UN in tackling the humanitarian crisis. In this context he urged better harmonisation of international humanitarian and development programmes, as well as their adequate and effective implementation.
In addition to a joint political statement by the European Union issued at the summit, Hungary has made a separate statement. In this it has declared that, in order to jointly tackle migration related challenges, it shall continue to employ means based on the principles of individual decision-making by Member States and voluntary participation.