The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines diaspora as: "Migrants or descendants of migrants whose identity and sense of belonging—whether real or symbolic—have been shaped by their migration experience and background. They maintain connections with their homelands and with each other, rooted in a shared sense of history, identity, or mutual experiences in their destination countries."
iDiaspora is a global hub designed to engage diaspora communities and facilitate knowledge exchange for individuals and organizations seeking to connect with them. The impact of iDiaspora was further strengthened by the 2022 Global Diaspora Summit, which resulted in the Dublin Declaration—a milestone that set the agenda for future global diaspora engagement.
Building on this momentum, the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA) was officially launched in September 2024. The GDPA fosters collaboration between governments, diaspora organizations, and key stakeholders, empowering diaspora communities to contribute fully to sustainable development. To advance its mission, the GDPA has established technical working groups focused on three priority areas: gender and youth, climate change, health and well-being.
Following the success of the first Young Diaspora Leaders Initiative in 2022, iDiaspora and IOM are proud to launch the second edition this year. Aligned with the GDPA’s youth-focused priorities, this initiative seeks to elevate the voices of young diaspora leaders and amplify their impact. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire other young members of transnational communities to step into leadership roles and contribute to sustainable development worldwide. This year’s young diaspora leaders, nominated by key members/co-chairs of the GDPA, reflect diverse backgrounds, experiences, and contributions—showcasing the power of diaspora youth in driving positive change worldwide.
Join us in celebrating their inspiring leadership journeys—read their stories, gain insights, and be part of the movement to empower young diaspora communities in building a better world together!
