ADEPT, IOM – UN Migration and Shabaka have organised a series of webinars to explore different perspectives on diaspora engagement in humanitarian assistance.
The first webinar took place on 12 October 2021 under the theme “Key alliances and the transnational humanitarian system”. This webinar has explored how diasporas represent a key actor in transnational humanitarian assistance because they may act as bridges between local, national, regional, and international actors. In addition, diasporas’ attachment to their homeland motivates them to create alliances with key stakeholders and navigate complex humanitarian systems to protect their communities from abroad.
– Take stock of existing alliances and coordination systems both internal to the diasporas and external, vis-à-vis other actors;
– Present a newly developed framework for diaspora’s engagement in humanitarian assistance;
– Collect views and suggestions on how to strengthen internal and external coordination for more effective assistance.
/
The second webinar took place on 30 November 2021 under the theme “Diaspora Transnational Humanitarianism: Transnational responses developed by diaspora communities”. This webinar has drawn attention to a different perspective on diaspora humanitarianism by highlighting the importance of diaspora’s broader interest and focus on responding in third countries, not only their countries of origin or settlement. The webinar has also discussed the cases of diaspora transnational humanitarian involvement and response beyond origin countries, by bringing together elements of recent discussions and research by Shabaka, IOM, and ADEPT and examples from diaspora groups and networks.
The objectives of this second webinar were:
– Understand how diasporas are entities with a global perspective in transnational humanitarianism;
– Assess the gaps and improve the broader recognition on humanitarian action by diasporas;
– Examine what has been done regarding migrant protection.
/
The third webinar took place on 14 February 2022 under the theme “Diaspora humanitarianism: intergenerational engagement and leadership”. This webinar has examined the diasporas’ motivations and approaches to engage in humanitarian crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar has also explored generational differences in supporting humanitarian development, crisis prevention and recovery.
The objectives of this third webinar were:
– Examine diaspora’s motivations to engage in humanitarian and development initiatives/action in their countries of origin and beyond;
– Explore generational differences in approaches to supporting humanitarian and development intervention;
– Explore how motivations evolve and can be sustained.
