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 career opportunities and professional growth I’ve found here have convinced me to stay, shaping my unique experience of living between two worlds.

As part of the global diaspora engagement team, my daily work revolves around the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA), which was officially launched in September 2024. The GDPA is all about fostering collaboration between governments, diaspora organizations, and key stakeholders, empowering diaspora communities to make a full contribution to sustainable development.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to lead the Young Diaspora Leaders 2025 Initiative focused on youth empowerment under the framework of the GDPA. This initiative aims to inspire and support young leaders from transnational communities by capturing their success stories and amplifying their voices. I firmly believe that showcasing their journeys, contributions, and aspirations will not only empower them for future growth but will also inspire young diaspora communities worldwide to actively engage in sustainable development.

Through this initiative, I had the privilege of sitting down with some truly inspiring young diaspora leaders, nominated by GDPA member states, to hear firsthand about their unique journeys. Here are some key takeaways from my conversations with leaders from Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Georgia, the Philippines, and Sierra Leone:

🌍A Deep Connection to Home: The ties to one’s country of origin aren’t just part of who you are; they serve as a wellspring of strength, motivating diaspora members to embrace opportunities and explore their host countries with fresh eyes.

🤝Keys to Successful Partnerships: When developing projects with partners, these young leaders emphasized that long-term success hinges on shared interests, trust, dedication, strategic alliances, creativity, and genuine passion.

🚀Embracing Global Transformation: Advanced technology is opening exciting new avenues for young diaspora leaders. It’s amplifying diverse voices, enhancing access to funding, boosting professional development while keeping diaspora communities better connected and united.

💡Shaping a Successful Future: Preparation and guidance are crucial. Cherish your culture, language, and traditions, and embrace cultural exchange to promote mutual understanding. If fear arises, take it by the hand—let it propel you forward, not hold you back. Choose a path that aligns with your passions and remember: leadership is about taking action.

So far, I’ve completed five interviews, and the accompanying visual stories are set to be published in iDiaspora on March 4th, 2025. I invite you to join me in exploring these remarkable journeys—discover the insights and inspiration behind these young leaders’ stories and let’s work together to contribute to a better world!