| Strengthening the Somali Diaspora |
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UNDP Somalia convened a one-day workshop in Nairobi, on Friday 13 March 2009, with participants comprising representatives from the Diaspora from various countries, private sector in Somalia, UN agencies, bilateral development partners, Somali NGOs and experts on the country. The workshop was held to discuss the Diaspora’s contribution to humanitarian assistance and economic recovery in Somalia, and make recommendations to increase the collaboration between the Diaspora, UNDP and other UN and development partners. About 14% of Somalia’s population the Diaspora and refugees lives outside of the country. Large concentrations of the Diaspora live in Europe, North America and the Middle East. The Diaspora has played a vital role in shaping the economy, providing remittances estimated at well over US$ 1bn in 2007, and investing in infrastructure, education, health, livelihoods and human resources. The Somalis of origin have also provided significant development and humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country. These groups have displayed their capacity and networks by providing almost instant relief in the form of cash and supplies to Somalis during emergencies. The workshop illustrated the common interest that exists between Diaspora groups and UNDP and other development agencies to support Somali development and economic recovery. Somali private sector and NGO representatives proposed recommendations for the UN and donors to engage with the Diaspora in the future. UNDP indicated its readiness to find ways to facilitate and enhance support for Diaspora led activities. Participants agreed that there was potential to build a new kind of development partnership in various sectors. |