Building bridges.Saving Lives. A Recap of the Diaspora Humanitarian Exchange 2023
24 November 2023
Join us in exploring the insights and outcomes from the Diaspora Humanitarian Exchange held in Copenhagen on October 28-29, 2023. Our goal was to strengthen connections, share knowledge, and enhance capacities among humanitarian diaspora organizations.
The workshop united 24 participants representing active humanitarian groups from Afghanistan, Haiti, Pakistan, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Syria, Iraq/Kurdistan, India, and Ukraine. We also welcomed representatives from our donor USAID BHA as well as the IOM Diaspora Engagement Unit from Washington D.C.
Creating this space and opportunity for different diaspora groups to meet in person and exchange their ideas, hopes and dreams is exactly what diaspora engagement reflects: emotional attachment to the cause and the drive to change.
During the Diaspora Humanitarian Exchange we focused on three main topics:
Humanitarian Coordination
We focused on addressing the main challenges faced by these organizations in coordinating efforts. Discussions aimed to identify hurdles and share effective coordination practices.
Key Discussions:
- Identifying common challenges: Access to local-level information emerged as a major hurdle. Participants stressed the need for long-term thinking to prioritize effective coordination.
- Resource concerns: Participants highlighted difficulties with information, funding, and communication. They recommended a loose umbrella coordination mechanism across different levels.
Localization
We delved into how diaspora groups can support, rather than compete with, local actors. Building trust emerged as a crucial theme for effective collaboration.
- Trust-building: Transparent communication and amplifying local voices were seen as vital for trust and strong programming.
- Advocacy and resource roles: Diaspora’s advocacy and resource mobilization were highlighted, acknowledging local organizations' rich resources beyond finances. Effective coordination and clear task division were emphasized to avoid competition.
Climate Change
Groups highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge about climate solutions, especially involving diaspora expertise like solar panels and rainwater irrigation. The focus was on spreading awareness among younger generations and adapting solutions to local contexts, especially with traditional communities.
- Advocacy initiatives: Addressing critical issues like deforestation at local and international levels was considered crucial.
- Community preparedness: A significant emphasis was placed on educating and preparing communities for climate changes.
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