On 9 April 2025, ICMPD’s CORE-UA project team hosted an online event to present its latest report, Diaspora Engagement – Case Studies and Best Practices for Ukraine, published within the framework of the CORE-UA project. The event brought together a diverse group of international experts, policymakers, international organisations, NGOs and members of the global Ukrainian community to explore effective strategies for engaging the diaspora in Ukraine’s development and post-war recovery efforts.
In his opening remarks, Oleksii Lukashuk, Deputy Minister of the Ministry for National Unity of Ukraine, underlined the Ministry’s strong commitment to identifying and implementing effective diaspora engagement models. He highlighted the importance of learning from international experiences to establish long-term, sustainable policies that will not only foster Ukraine's growth but also enhance the well-being of Ukrainians living abroad.
The CORE-UA project team provided a comprehensive overview of the initiative, detailing its objectives, activities and engagement with the global Ukrainian community. ICMPD’s EUDiF team discussed the importance of establishing strategic frameworks for diaspora engagement as well as the role of diaspora in peacebuilding, recovery and development. Researchers from Maastricht University, Melissa Siegel and Giulia Mori, presented the report in detail, sharing insights and recommendations aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s ties with its diaspora. The report’s presentation included comparative case studies from Albania, Serbia and Lithuania, offering valuable lessons on institutional frameworks, economic participation and social recovery mechanisms. These examples were framed within global best practices that could inform Ukraine’s future policies.
This event marks a significant milestone in ICMPD’s ongoing efforts to bridge research, policy and practice, advancing the conversation on how to effectively engage diaspora communities in Ukraine’s recovery and development.