The diaspora has a positive impact on climate change through remittances, investments and skills, which have historically benefited countries of origin.
However, there is a limited understanding of their potential role in responding to climate challenges.
Despite their significant contributions to economic development and community well-being, the nuanced ways in which diaspora communities can actively engage in climate response efforts remain underexplored. The lack of coordination between diaspora communities and institutional humanitarian actors hinders mutual understanding and the development of joint solutions. It is crucial to recognize the multifaceted contributions of diasporas in addressing climate-related issues in order to fully unlock their potential as key players in global climate resilience and adaptation strategies.
In partnership with IOM, DEMAC conducted five case studies in 2023 to explore how the diaspora responds to climate-induced disasters and supports community resilience and adaptation to environmental degradation in South Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Peru and Tuvalu.
DEMAC‘s contribution to the Humanitarian Networks & Partnerships Week (HNPW) will be from 29 April to 10 May 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. You are invited to visit Booth 23 if you are in Geneva.
A panel discussion session will be held virtually and in–person on May 8th 2024, 11:00-12:30 CET, with the aim of fostering a meaningful discussion between the diaspora and humanitarian representatives, exploring potential synergies and identifying opportunities to support affected communities in effectively addressing the impacts of climate change.
Speakers on the panel include Adriana Delgado, Deputy Director of Help Perú, Daniel Manyang Mayen Mading, Researcher in the Sudd Institute, and Manuel Marques Pereira, Head of Division for Migration, Environments and Climate Change at the IOM headquarters.
The session will be moderated by Miralyne Zeghnoune Research and MEAL Specialist at DEMAC, an initiative of the DRC Diaspora Programme.
FOLLOW THE PANEL DISCUSSION ON ZOOM HERE
DEMAC is a global initiative aiming at enhancing mutual knowledge and coordination, communication and coherence between diaspora humanitarian actors and the institutional humanitarian system. The DEMAC initiative is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and funded by USAID (BHA).
Source: Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination (DEMAC).
Image Attribution: Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination (DEMAC).