The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have produced this joint report examining topical migration issues for Africa. The report entitled Diaspora Engagement, Climate-Induced Migration and Skills Mobility: A focus on Africa, provides critical analysis, institutional and policy recommendations emphasizing the significance of partnerships for inclusive Diaspora engagement (Chapter 1); managing climate mobility and building climate resilience (Chapter 2); and fostering skills mobility (Chapter 3). The report demonstrates the need to leverage and scale-up existing approaches on these interconnected issues to turn migration and human mobility in general into a force for development in Africa.

The report is a result of a two-year collaboration between IOM and AfDB which also benefited from the expertise of other members of the Multilateral Development Bank Platform on Economic Migration and Forced Displacement (EMFD). It is meant to support practitioners and decision makers in stepping-up actions for the benefit of migrants, communities and sustainable development of African countries.

In this fifth edition of the newsletter, you will discover the culmination of a comprehensive consultative process shaping the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA). Diasporas have achieved recognition as pivotal development and humanitarian contributors at the highest political echelons. They serve as essential partners in development, and the integration of their contributions into global policies and programs should be more comprehensive, systematic, and sustainable.

The need to expand private sector engagement for enhanced migration and sustainable development outcomes is very clear. International agreements, like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, have already recognized that the private sector has a critical role to play in ensuring that migrants can contribute to sustainable development and that their fundamental rights are upheld.

This report, Empowering Migrants and Communities: Private Sector Engagement for Inclusive Sustainable Development, shows how governments, international cooperation and development actors can promote more robust private sector engagement. The report is by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Development Programme (UNDP) and draws on ‘Making Migration Work for Sustainable Development’ (M4SD), a joint 11 country programme supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The report contains recommendations for governments and development actors to support: private sector mappings; advocacy on the benefits of migration; the creation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and knowledge exchange; increasing the access to decent jobs for migrants; addressing policy and regulatory barriers to integration and social cohesion; and involving the private sector in decision-making processes on migration. 

This report summarizes the key information shared during the four regional consultations held onSeptember 25 and 27. The objective of this report is to update key partners on the progress made duringthe consultative process aimed at establishing the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance.

Diasporas possess unique qualities that make them valuable partners in the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus. They have the knowledge, networks and motivation to effectively respond to emergencies and contribute to long-term development solutions.

This report focuses on the legal framework of diaspora engagement, evaluating the rights and opportunities available to diasporas in selected countries of origin and destination. It examines the understanding of the “diaspora” by governments, its reflection in national policies and legislation, the rights granted to diasporas, and the policies’ consideration of women’s role and participation in diaspora engagement.

The publication aims to foster further discussions on engaging with diasporas from a legal perspective, institutionalizing support functions, and distributing duties and rights that enable diasporas to contribute to the development process and drive positive changes in both origin and destination countries

Recommendations for the implementation of communication activities to engage the Kyrgyz diaspora, compatriots and migrants living abroad in the development of the Kyrgyz Republic the period of 2022-2030 (with a focus on the development of new technologies, the development of the Kyrgyz language, and local communities). 

KEY POINTS

• IOM defines diasporas as migrants or descendants of migrants whose identity and senses of belonging, either real or symbolic, have been shaped by their migration experience and background (see Figure 1). • At least 280,5 million people – around 3 per cent of the global population - live in a country other than their country of origin.

• More than 70 percent of countries participating in the Migration Governance Indicators (MGI) globally have established diaspora or emigration institutions.

• One in three MGI countries globally engages its diaspora in agenda setting and implementation of development policy.

• Two thirds of countries globally accepted dual citizenship. • Migrants are estimated to generate 9.4 percent of the global GDP. • Migrants often retain connections to their families and friends back home, send them part of their income or savings through remittances, share knowledge and skills acquired in migration and engage in trade, entrepreneurship and investment. Migrant children often retain ties to their parents’ countries of origin, as well. Senses of belonging of migrant descendants, however, can become weaker over time. • Worldwide, there are more than 200.000 diaspora and migrant organizations. • The Global Compact for Migration and the Dublin Declaration recognize diasporas as development and humanitarian partners.