CD4D2: Connecting Diaspora for Development
Nina Staal, CD4D2 Coordinator, nstaal@iom.int
Related Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact for Migration Objectives
Summary
Many diaspora feel a strong commitment to the country where they live and work, but also to their country of origin. Their expertise, cultural affinity, and strong commitment can make them humanitarian actors in crisis situations, entrepreneurs in business, trade and innovation, as well as excellent agents for development.
Giving back and promoting development: CD4D2 works with diaspora to support the development of their countries of origin. Diaspora are migrants or descendants of migrants who still share a connection with their country of origin. CD4D allows for diaspora to help the development of their home country through the transfer of knowledge and expertise. This is in line with IOM’s global work of maximizing the positive relationship between migration and development. Diaspora make unique contributions through their expertise, cultural affinity, and strong commitment to give back to their country of origin. CD4D2 is currently active in four focus countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia.
The CD4D2 project fits into IOM’s global work of maximizing the positive relationship between migration and development. IOM the Netherlands has 15 years of experience in the design and implementation of initiatives linking diaspora to their countries of origin.
Key objective
The overall objective of CD4D2 is to promote the active role of diaspora in selected sectors in four focus countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria and Somalia. In each country priority sectors and institutions have been identified, in close coordination with responsible ministries and the Dutch embassies.
Main activities
Diaspora ambassadors, who are professionals with a migration background, connect with institutions in their country of origin to implement short-term assignments focused on knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Key successes or innovative factors, good practices and lessons learned (if available)
CD4D Ambassadors show how diaspora professionals make the difference for their countries of origin. They are charismatic, dedicated, and true professionals who are bringing their skills and expertise to their communities of origin, enhancing development gains throughout the world by strengthening health systems, judicial systems, governance and more.
A midterm evaluation of the project is forthcoming and will identify lessons learned.
Beneficiaries
Institutions and local communities in the countries of focus, diaspora ambassadors