As humanitarian actors face challenges in meeting increasing needs, diaspora communities play a remarkable role in filling gaps in humanitarian assistance via innovative fundraising modalities. Engaging with diaspora communities presents an opportunity to leverage their innovative solutions and local expertise for more sustainable and comprehensive humanitarian efforts. The private sector has been a key stakeholder in engaging with diaspora to finance different thematic sectors while maximizing diasporas’ existing financial contributions.

Innovation Norway is currently funding a project by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Diaspora Engagement Unit to develop a diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters in the Philippines. A model for reimagining remittances and highlighting impact at the intersection of engagement between IOM, private sector, diaspora, and other actors. The diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters is an example of how the private sector meets immediate shelter needs in a sustainable impactful manner utilizing the diasporas' financial contributions and skills.

The session will highlight how innovative diaspora contributions/financing can be mobilized to strengthen sustainable humanitarian and resilience-building efforts.

The overall scope of this session will be to understand the role of diaspora communities in humanitarian interventions:

1. Present the Bahay Matibay initiative, a diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters.
2. Discuss diasporas’ added value through real-world examples of how diasporas have effectively responded to humanitarian and development needs.
3. Identify strategies, best practices, and opportunities to scale diaspora financing or engagement modalities.
4. Q&A session with audience and panelists.