Armenian diaspora supports to COVID-19 response
Karine Khojayan, Project Coordinator, kkhojayan@iom.int
Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible Relacionados y Objetivos del Pacto Mundial sobre Migración
Objetivo clave
The objective of the diaspora engagement practice was to support an effective response to the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Armenia from its early stages and demonstrate how non-traditional actors – diaspora – can support in acceleration of the SDG-s especially during the crisis. Diaspora has always been one of accelerator’s for Armenia’s development in many phases of its history. Diaspora support was immense in overcoming of socio-economic challenges, in supporting education and scientific innovations. The objective of this practice was to promptly mobilize and support diaspora engagement to address the health emergency, and support application of SDGs and in particular Goal 3 in developing countries.
Principales actividades
Armenian doctors living in the country and diaspora members abroad fostered an exchange of medical expertise during the pandemic to improve the treatment of COVID-19 patients and stem the spread of the virus. This partnership between diaspora members, local doctors living in Armenia, IOM Armenia, and the Ministry of Health in the Republic of Armenia have showcased how a country with a historical and traditionally strong migrant network can support effective responses to crises and demonstrates how non-traditional actors can facilitate global innovation and science to save lives and accelerate our achievement of the SDGs.
Éxitos clave o factores innovadores, buenas prácticas y lecciones aprendidas (si están disponibles)
The practice demonstrates how effective diaspora mapping and engagement strategies can be quickly and effectively leveraged to allow developing countries to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of experts abroad even in urgent crisis situations. Through the use of online platforms, diaspora support can be provided in a cost-effective manner. These initial engagements have set in place relationships to build more systematic cooperation with Armenian diaspora in the health sector. These types of practices can be replicated in other countries through the effective mapping of diaspora professionals and can go beyond emergencies or healthcare sectors to include acceleration of other SDGs by leveraging diaspora expertise and resources in a cost-efficient manner.
Beneficiarios
Medical professionals and their patients in Armenia