Engaging the Diaspora Online for the Development of their Country of Origin

The diaspora of Member States with developing economies have a significant part to play in the development of their country of origin through remittances, trade, investment, knowledge and technology transfers. According to the World Bank, international migrants will send 601 billion dollars to their families in their home country this year. With the spread of internet-enabled affordable devices to vulnerable communities worldwide, diaspora and their nationals are connected in unprecedented ways, opening potential new avenues to improve the communication and connectivity between Member States and their citizens, at home and abroad.

This project aims to increase linkages between the developing Member States and their diaspora by engaging the diaspora online, thereby encouraging economic collaboration and leveraging the diaspora as a key development actor. It proposes to use IOM mission webpages to spotlight dynamic new diaspora actors, link them via an online database and create a mentoring environment. The country pages will then become a vital source of information and means of engagement for diaspora and migrants, allowing it to remain relevant beyond the life of the project.