New Diaspora Initiative Set to Drive Collaborative Solutions for Sustainable Development

Sal, 13 September – In a call for bold and collaborative action, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with the Government of Cabo Verde, has successfully launched the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA). This new initiative, launched during the International Conference on the Future Agenda of Action for Global Diaspora Engagement, is poised to leverage the knowledge, innovation, and resources of diaspora communities to create lasting solutions to global challenges. 

Building on the success of the 2022 Global Diaspora Summit and the Dublin Declaration, the event marked a critical moment in global efforts to harness the transformative potential of diaspora communities.  

“It’s already very clear that diasporas everywhere are making immeasurable contributions to their countries of residence and origin, and that remittances are just one part of the story,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “What’s needed now is to take global diaspora engagement to the next level – to identify ways to truly harness this vast potential to drive positive change. This conference is a call to action to do just that.”  

The GDPA, launched in Cabo Verde, is the result of extensive collaboration involving stakeholders from around the world. Designed as an inclusive and collaborative platform, it aims to unite Member States, the private sector, academic institutions and diaspora communities to co-create practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By focusing on gender and youth leadership, climate resilience, and global health, the GDPA seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance the impact of diaspora contributions worldwide. 

The conference reaffirmed IOM’s global leadership in diaspora engagement and its commitment to empowering, engaging and enabling diaspora members through key partnerships with Member States, diasporas, and other relevant stakeholders. The GDPA is poised to serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring that diaspora contributions are fully integrated into global development frameworks. 

The Dublin Declaration, which laid the foundation for this initiative, has garnered widespread support from a diverse group of countries and organizations, including the African Union, Armenia, Bangladesh, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, and Uruguay. This collective endorsement underscores the global commitment to advancing diaspora engagement as a key driver of sustainable development. 

During the event, the Government of Georgia announced its role as co-chair of the Institutional Steering Committee of the GDPA and as the host of the next Global Diaspora Summit.  

The conference brought together an array of distinguished panelists, including representatives of Member States, diaspora leaders, private sector experts and youth advocates.  

IOM’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan places diaspora engagement at the heart of its mission to drive solutions to displacement, enhance regular migration pathways, and improve global development outcomes. The GDPA will institutionalize diaspora involvement, ensuring their voices and expertise are central to shaping policies, programs, and partnerships across borders.  

As the GDPA takes its first steps, it holds the promise of driving meaningful change and fostering collaboration across borders.  

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For more information, please contact:  

In Dakar/Sal: Joelle Furrer, jfurrer@iom.int   

In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int