Blogs
Mingjie XIE
Conversations That Empower: Interviews with Young Diaspora Leaders
Hi there, I’m Mingjie – a proud member of the diaspora originally from China and now thriving in Europe. Over the past three years, my journey has taken me through Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and now Switzerland, where I work with the International Organization for Migration. My love for my Chinese family, friends, and food often makes me nostalgic and longing for home. Yet, the…
Larisa LARA-GUERRERO
Facing Global Risks 2025: Migration and Collective Action
As the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place, I want to reflect on their recently published Global Risks Report 2025. Now in its 20th edition, this report, a cornerstone of the WEF's Global Risks Initiative, offers vital insights into the rapidly evolving global risk landscape and emphasizes the need for collective action to build a more resilient future.
Martina Castiglioni
Unlocking Diaspora Entrepreneurship: Why is Transnationalism Conducive to Business and Development?
Entrepreneurs are stereotypically associated with smart suits and business transactions in high-rising buildings. In contrast, migrants are largely perceived as vulnerable groups fleeing persecution and conflict. The two pictures hardly stand next to each other in our minds. However, evidence seems to prove otherwise:
Mingjie XIE
Working with Diaspora Communities in the UK to Reduce Remittance Costs
In October 2024, IOM UK conducted a series of remittance workshops in London, in partnership with Somali community organisations WIT and Rise, and the money transfer organisation Dahabshiil. The aim of the workshops was to empower individuals with improved understanding of the availability of digital remittance channels, and enable them to take advantage of cheaper, safer and faster transfer of…
Larisa LARA-GUERRERO
Humor in Diaspora Engagement: Building Connections, Resilience, and Cross-Cultural Understanding
In recent months, I have been reflecting on the book “Humor, Seriously: Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life” by Aaker and Bagdonas. Its exploration of organizational psychology and management feels especially relevant to diaspora engagement, and I wanted to share some thoughts on how humor connects to this field.
Ayotunde Razaq
Climate Change and Migration: The Unseen Exodus
Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue; it is reshaping societies in ways we are only beginning to comprehend. One of the most profound impacts is on human migration. With natural disasters becoming more frequent, resources depleting, and previously habitable lands turning barren, millions of people around the world are on the move—not by choice, but by necessity. The link…
Larisa LARA-GUERRERO
Global Diaspora Policy Alliance: 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…
