The Regional Assessment report highlights how diasporas from South America are contributing to the development of their countries of origin, and how these countries can work with diaspora communities to maximize their impact. This multilevel study gathered primary data from six countries using a common participatory methodology and tools, which included more than 120 interviews and several focus groups with representatives from the government, civil society, and diaspora communities in each country. In addition, a virtual regional survey collected 1,173 responses from members of the diaspora and others. This study gives us a detailed and nuanced understanding of the evolution and contribution of South American communities around the world, as well as their perspectives and identities.

The Diaspora Mapping Toolkit builds on IOM’s rich experience of over 150 diaspora mappings implemented across diverse contexts, this Toolkit presents a systematic, comprehensive yet very flexible and agile approach to conducting diaspora mappings in differing contexts. By following the proposed clear guidance on how to collect and analyse data on diaspora communities, decision makers will have the possibility to create more strategic and evidence-based policies empowering diaspora members to contribute and engage thus maximizing their contributions to development.
 
This innovative Toolkit is the first global guidance tool bringing together a myriad of experiences from the field, the expertise of practitioners and high scientific rigour. This methodology successfully piloted in Ecuador, Eswatini and Senegal, covers all possible data collection methods, starting from qualitative studies based on key informants and focus groups all the way to capturing substantial amounts of quantitative data on diasporas. This Toolkit crystalizes IOM’s commitment to developing effective, inclusive and data-based policies. Each component reflects a rigorous and standardized approach to policymaking, taking into consideration the specificities of each territory, the dynamics on the ground and the multiple stakeholders interacting with transnational communities. 

Contributions and Counting: Guidance on Measuring the Economic Impact of your Diaspora beyond Remittances provides guidance for governments and national authorities looking to understand and measure the economic contributions made by their diaspora to their country of origin – that is, contributions beyond financial remittances. These economic contributions include investment, trade, tourism and philanthropy. Contributions and Counting provides users with a structured approach to understanding existing data collection frameworks and how they can be modified to isolate foreign capital inflows made by the diaspora through the aforementioned channels. Data generated from this exercise can be utilized to make more precise policy interventions and develop more effective policies and programmes to engage the diaspora as developmental actors.

Diasporas are agents with the capacity to create transnational connections and initiatives to support their communities both in their countries of origin and in their countries of residence. Technology provides an invaluable tool to galvanize these diasporic efforts to tap into the unlimited potential of the digital space and collaboration. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, diasporas have become powerful actors in supporting communities both in their countries of origin and residence – for instance, by conducting information and advocacy campaigns using digital platforms to stop the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable people within their communities. Digital platforms have also been very useful as a tool to collect funds to distribute goods, personal protective equipment, and sanitary equipment. In addition, technology has allowed diasporas to communicate efficiently, reinforce existing networks, and engage with other stakeholders involved in the response to the pandemic such as international organisations, governments, and experts.  

The publication showcases important initiatives undertaken by diasporas to contribute to their societies and to sustainable development digitally during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.