On 25 January 2024, just prior to the closing ceremony of the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit (GFMD), the GFMD community presented an award to the family of John Kenney Bingham, in commemoration of John’s “lifetime of service to migrants and for building bridges within the GFMD.”
At the commemoration his son, John D. Bingham, spoke on behalf of the family. His words reminded all those in attendance of two virtues that his father exemplified throughout his life: the willingness to listen and a focus on action.
Accordingly, John D. Bingham ended his remarks with a call to action, “There are many lessons to be learned from John Bingham’s extraordinary life. If there’s one that I’d like to impress on you today, it’s that urgency to Act, to reach the objectives we collectively set for ourselves. And to Act together, through these moments of dialogue. In the wake of your colleague and friend, this tremendous Advocate, who I am so very proud to call my Father, it is our duty, and John Kennedy Bingham’s legacy, to strive onwards, taking the time to Listen, and then acting with Urgency, to fight for a politics of welcoming and generosity. As my father put it: Refugees and migrants may lose many things when they move, but never their human rights and dignity. Let’s make sure we guarantee that.”
Click here to read the full statement delivered by John D. Bingham and click on the following links to view the programme, a recording of the commemoration, and a video tribute with messages from John’s close friends and colleagues.
We also invite you to read Colin Rajah’s In Memoriam for John Bingham and view the gallery of memories submitted by friends, family, and colleagues.