New modalities needed for better diaspora engagement policies

At the end of September 2015, UN member states are expected to agree on the sustainable development goals, targets and indicators that will frame the agenda for the next fifteen years. For the first time, migration and migrants are recognised as a part of a new global vision for sustainable development; a milestone marking more than ten years of increased attention to migration and development interlinkages.

The growing interest in diaspora engagement among ICMPD's partner countries bears witness to a global trend echoed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: "we recognise the positive contribution of migrants for inclusive growth and sustainable development".

The relatively recent upsurge in projects, meetings and other activities to support diaspora engagement has resulted in a number of lessons learnt for ICMPD, which we analyse in this new Working Paper.

This working paper describes ICMPD’s work in promoting diaspora engagement and capitalises on our experience of having seen both sides of the story. We have worked together with governments in designing better policies and programmes, as well as concrete outreach activities. We have also formed partnerships with some of the largest and most well-known diaspora organisations in Europe to support capacity development, enhance networking and empower diasporas as development actors.

This working paper contributes to the necessary process of refining the way in which projects promoting diaspora engagement are designed. Furthermore, this paper contributes to balancing the current predominant perception of migration as an element of crisis by placing the focus also on positive aspects, and the important contributions that migrants and diasporas make.

One of the conclusions is that since diaspora issues cut across many different themes and sectors, it demands interaction between partners who have not necessarily cooperated before.

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Photo: Diaspora Vibe on Flickr