Diaspora Solidarity: WHAF/British Red Cross Workshops
Date: September 12, 2023
Participants: 140+ professionals from 26 countries
The World Humanitarian Action Forum (WHAF) organised a series of consultative workshops on the topic of “Diaspora Solidarity and reshaping inequitable structures and systems” supported by the British Red Cross. The opening session featured contributions from humanitarian organisations and experts, including four hours of in-depth discussion and presentations by WHAF, the British Red Cross, and Islamic Relief Worldwide.
- Session 1: Diaspora organisations’ experiences (Hand In Hand, UMR)
- Session 2: Local perspectives on the role of expatriates (HAI, Takaful Al-Sham)
- Session 3: Strategies for networking and collaboration (ZAMZAM, Islamic Relief, researchers)
- Session 4: Strengthening expatriate organisations (Internews Europe, DEMAC, SHABAKA)
In addition, three special workshops focused on Syria, Pakistan, and Somalia, with selected participants addressing country-specific contexts. Discussions highlighted both local needs and the vital role of the diaspora.
- Enhance expatriate voices in global forums
- Support local systems and sustainability
- Encourage youth participation in home countries
- Respond to global changes (climate, tech)
- Increase diversity in humanitarian decision-making
Key Recommendations:
- Enhance the voice of expatriates in global forums and coordination mechanisms.
- Seek long-term, impact-oriented solutions.
- Promote youth participation in countries of origin.
- Understand and shape donor culture for better impact.
- Support local systems for sustainability.
- Adapt to rapid global changes, especially climate and tech.
- Broaden stakeholder participation in decision-making.
- Balance local and global roles for effective impact.
