Miles4Migrants submitted a pledge to reunite 70,000 forcibly displaced individuals with their families by 2030, starting with an initial target of 10,000 next year. The commitment, announced during the Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN) in Geneva, Switzerland, aligns with the Roadmap 2030 on third-country solutions for refugees and the multistakeholder pledge to reunite at least 1 million refugee families by 2030.
In his speech delivered at the Forum, Miles4Migrants’ Executive Director, Glaydon de Freitas, highlighted the organization’s unique and innovative approach to family reunification, utilizing a multi-currency system that comprises money, frequent flyer miles, credit card points, and travel vouchers. This approach, combined with Miles4Migrants’ expertise in flight booking and partnerships with the world’s largest airlines, allows the organization to purchase airline tickets in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
“The impact of our collective pledge is nothing short of revolutionary,” said Glaydon de Freitas. “It is a beacon of what humanity can achieve when hearts, minds, and resources converge in solidarity. This is our moment to shape a new narrative, where every family reunion is a triumph of the human spirit.”
The Shapiro Foundation’s Generous Commitment
Miles4Migrants’ longstanding partner, The Shapiro Foundation, through its President, Ed Shapiro, has pledged to fund 500 flights in 2024 as part of the multistakeholder pledge supporting family reunification. Additionally, Shapiro announced his continued support for Miles4Migrants’ operation to achieve its commitment by 2030.
M4M strategies to achieve its goals:
- Find the most value-efficient flight options across all airlines using airline miles, credit card points, travel vouchers, and cash.
- Proactively mine resources to transport forcibly displaced migrants.
- Utilize a database system to track flight bookings and keep valuable data records efficiently.
- Provide post-booking support to NGO partners with any travel issues that may arise post-booking.
- Partner with airlines and corporations to utilize the untapped alternative currency of frequent flyer points and miles to make transportation even more affordable.
Click here to read Miles4Migrants’ pledge in full.
To learn more about the family reunification initiative, visit: https://familyunificationnetwork.org
To learn more about the Global Refugee Forum, visit: https://www.unhcr.org/global-refugee-forum-2023
About Miles4Migrants
Miles4Migrants is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing donated frequent flyer miles and points to refugees and displaced persons, facilitating family reunification across the globe. https://miles4migrants.org
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sandro Petrilli
Head of External Affairs
sandro@miles4migrants.org