Global Diaspora Day

Global Diaspora Day - 23 June 2016!

Take a look at the submissions - articles - case studies - media material - and an extra page of resources!

The MADE Working Group on Diaspora and Migrants in Development is excited to announce the launch of the first ever Global Diaspora Day!  Our call for submissions generated over 80 articles, case studies, photos and videos from all over the world. We are pleased to share with you all the selected and inspiring stories, learning tools and initiatives!

Organised by AFFORD and MADE Network, Global Diaspora Day aims to:  

• Raise awareness about the positive role and contributions of diaspora and migrants towards development in their countries of origin and residence, in particular on job creation and enterprise
• Showcase examples of anti-xenophobia campaigns and initiatives that address negative migrant stereotypes and xenophobia
• Gather and share tools and resources that can be replicated and adapted in other contexts to effectively make an impact in these areas

Stream the Global Diaspora Day playlist here!
 

Background

Following the set of 10 recommendations to come out of the Civil Society Days of the 2015 Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), the launch of Global Diaspora Day forms part of the ongoing work of this MADE Working Group. The goal of Global Diaspora Day is to ensure the engagement of diaspora and migrants as entrepreneurs, social investors, policy advocates and partners in human development (recommendation 6), while simultaneously combatting the xenophobic attitudes towards these groups within society (recommendation 5).

With the increase in global migration, including irregular migration, as well as floundering migration management policies, there has been a concurrent increase in suspicion and fear among the citizens and governments of receiving countries, often translating into increased xenophobia and discrimination towards migrants and diaspora communities. In the face of this misplaced negativity and fear, there is now, more than ever, the need to find creative ways to provide exposure to diaspora and migrants’ contributions to development.  

We hope that Global Diaspora Day 2016 provides us all with a platform to begin discussions on how we promote positive diaspora and migrant narratives.  

Participate on social media

• Join our Facebook event for daily discussions and interactions on GDD contributions until Thursday, 30 June. You are all invited to join, discuss and exchange opinions, initiatives and good practices! 
• Submissions are also being tweeted with the #GlobalDiasporaDay. Follow us, join in the discussions, comment and share your own initiatives.   

And now, go for the articles, case studies, media material - and an extra page of resources!

Ⓒ of the picture used: Comisión de Acción Social Menonita (CASM)