OIM - Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth Empowerment (2025)

VIRTUAL EXCHANGESon Concrete Solutions on the Ground GLOBALDIASPORA Health and Well-being, Climate Action and Gender and Youth EmpowermentInternational Organization for Migration 17 route des Morillons P.O. Box 17 1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland

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Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth Empowerment.

Publisher: This publication was issued without formal editing by IOM.VIRTUAL EXCHANGESon Concrete Solutions on the Ground GLOBALDIASPORA

Health and Well-being, Climate Action and Gender and Youth Empowerment

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IOM, iDIASPORA, GRFDT, GDC, MYCP

INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION PAPERCONTENTS

Context Theme 1: Health and Well-being Theme 2: Climate Action Theme 3: Gender and Youth Empowerment Recommendations Annexes 1 2 7 12 17 19Context In September 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Cabo Verde co-organized the International Conference on the Future Agenda of Action for Global Diaspora Engagement, during which the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA) was officially launched. Formed through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder consultative process, the GDPA is designed to institutionalize and enhance diaspora engagement by fostering collaboration between governments, diaspora, the private sector, academia and civil society. To offer an actionable and practical framework, the GDPA focuses on three thematic areas – climate action, health and well-being and gender and youth – aligning its efforts with

enhance diaspora engagement by fostering collaboration between governments, diaspora, the private sector, academia and civil society. To offer an actionable and practical framework, the GDPA focuses on three thematic areas – climate action, health and well-being and gender and youth – aligning its efforts with global priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals. This strategic approach aims to amplify diaspora-driven solutions within these sectors. The GDPA strives to ensure that diaspora contributions are fully recognized, supported and maximized, empowering diaspora actors to play a pivotal role in global development and policy formulation. In parallel, to further integrate diaspora voices and perspectives into the broader development ecosystem, IOM, in collaboration with key partners, has been organizing the annual Global Diaspora Virtual Exchanges (GDVE) since 2020. This initiative serves as a unique and essential platform, bringing together diasporas and other stakeholders from different regions to exchange best practices and collaboratively enhance their engagement, empowerment and collaboration. Over its four editions, the GDVE has emphasized the increasingly vital role of diaspora leaders and organizations as key partners in both development and humanitarian initiatives. The thematic areas have revolved over the years. In 2020, diasporas demonstrated their swift and effective response to the pandemic. Shifting focus in 2021, their efforts centred on providing concrete advice to address three key challenges: building trust, mobilizing resources and ensuring sustainability. The dialogue in 2023 revolved around discussing strategies to enhance communication skills in project management. Most recently in 2024, stakeholders gathered to identify powerful transnational partnerships and the effective collaboration modalities within the framework of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance. The GDVE sessions are closely aligned with the GDPA’s objective of establishing a cohesive global framework for co-creation with diaspora actors. These dialogues, uniting diaspora leaders, policymakers,

academics and youth, have been instrumental in developing an ecosystem that highlights diaspora engagement. The partnerships forged during these exchanges have facilitated the sharing of best practices, provided targeted recommendations, expanded the impact of initiatives through collaboration and elevated the voices of diaspora communities on a global scale. The goal of GDVE 2025 was to contribute to the global ecosystem by engaging key actors who support, enable and create concrete solutions alongside diaspora communities. By doing so, the initiative aimed to inspire other communities and expand the scope of meaningful, on-the-ground contributions, driving further positive change through diaspora engagement. General objectives of the Global Diaspora Virtual Exchanges: Strengthen diaspora self-mobilization and empowerment by creating a dedicated platform for sharing, coordination and collaboration among diverse diaspora communities worldwide. Enhance diaspora engagement in development, humanitarianism and peacebuilding by offering practical guidance and insights on measuring and showcasing tangible, on-the-ground results. Promote intergenerational peer-learning through focused workshops, enabling knowledge exchange and capacity-building across different generations within diaspora communities. Extract key lessons and best practices on topics prioritized by diaspora members and partners, enabling them to effectively demonstrate their impact and deepen their participation in the GDPA. 1 Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth EmpowermentTheme 1: Health and well-being KEY HIGHLIGHTS Diasporas play a pivotal role in breaking down silos, fostering cross-sector collaboration and driving innovative solutions. Their capacity to navigate multiple disciplines enables them to act as multisolvers, addressing complex challenges by leveraging their contextual knowledge, adaptability and global-local networks. Unlike traditional actors constrained by rigid structures, diasporas operate fluidly, creating cascading solutions that connect diverse stakeholders, disciplines and geographies. Their unique positioning as both practitioners and changemakers allows them to accelerate development, bridge gaps in expertise and facilitate rapid, context-specific responses.

To harness the full potential of diasporas, there is a need to build-on resilient and trustworthy networks that facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity-building and crisis preparedness. Diaspora engagement must move beyond emergency-driven interventions to include structured, long-term collaboration through sustainable partnerships, institutional recognition and impact-driven strategies. Solutions require the active involvement of all actors – including governments, civil society, diaspora organizations, the private sector and international partners. Stakeholders must focus on integrating diaspora efforts within national, regional and international frameworks by promoting co-creation models, incentivizing structured engagement and ensuring diaspora-led initiatives are adequately resourced and recognized. 1.1 Diaspora as multisolvers: Breaking silos and fostering systemic solutions Diaspora communities bring a wealth of interdisciplinary experience that uniquely positions them to address health and well-being through integrated, cross-sectoral approaches. Drawing from diverse professional backgrounds – ranging from public health and education to entrepreneurship, climate action and governance – diaspora actors apply a system-thinking mindset that reflects the interconnected nature of real-world challenges. For instance, initiatives led by diasporas often link mental health support with school-based interventions, integrate nutrition with humanitarian responses, or promote entrepreneurship to strengthen grass-roots health systems. These multidimensional approaches enable diasporas to design solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially embedded and culturally appropriate. 2 Health and Well-being This virtual exchange session is about more than just dialogue – it ensures that diaspora voices are heard and meaningfully integrated into global development initiatives. The power of diaspora in shaping global health cannot be overstated. Diaspora communities serve as vital bridges between nations, acting as advocates and key players in delivering health services and strengthening support systems worldwide. Maylene M. Beltran, Assistant Secretary, Universal Health Care (UHC) Policy and Strategy Cluster, Department of Health, Government of the PhilippinesBy navigating and blending knowledge across geographies, disciplines and institutions, diasporas act as

natural connectors in complex systems. Their unique positioning allows them to work fluidly across traditionally siloed sectors, forging ties among line ministries, municipal authorities, civil society organizations and private sector actors. This capacity to foster inclusive, cross-institutional collaboration is critical in contexts where fragmentation and lack of coordination often undermine health and well-being outcomes. Diasporas can help translate across technical, linguistic and cultural divides, building trust, enhancing coherence and strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships that are grounded in shared values and locally relevant solutions. Diasporas are also highly adaptable in contexts of crisis, leveraging their transnational ties and lived experience to mobilize quickly and effectively. Their deep understanding of both country of origin and destination contexts allows for agile responses tailored to the unique needs of populations in need within their own communities. When it comes to coordinating medical supply chains, delivering emergency aid, or offering culturally sensitive psychosocial support, diaspora actors are often first responders who fill critical gaps in crisis response. Their dual embeddedness in local communities and global networks enables them to channel resources, expertise and solidarity in real time, demonstrating a unique ability to bridge local vulnerabilities with international capacity. To harness the full value of diaspora contributions, engagement must move from sporadic involvement toward structured, institutionalized participation. This means formally recognizing diasporas as strategic partners within national, regional and international health frameworks. Institutional mechanisms, such as diaspora advisory councils, inclusive public-private partnerships, can provide the space for diasporas to contribute to policymaking, strategic planning and programme implementation. Such models not only amplify diaspora voices but also ensure their insights and innovations are integrated into long-term strategies for resilience, equity and sustainable development. By creating these enabling environments, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of diaspora communities as systemic changemakers in health and well-being. 3 Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth Empowerment

We stand at a critical juncture in global diaspora engagement and development. Diasporas have a vital role to play in shaping and leading transformative platforms – like the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance – and we envision all partners growing together, taking meaningful steps forward. Our collective goal is to systematically integrate diaspora engagement into global policy forums through inclusive, multi-stakeholder processes. Strengthening cooperation among governments, diaspora communities, the private sector, academia and civil society is essential to achieving this vision. Hon. Isaak Mohamud Mursal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Government of Somalia1.2 Evidence, engagement and endurance: Advancing trust and sustainable impact Tracking the impact of diaspora contributions is essential to enhancing transparency, accountability and long-term effectiveness. Robust impact measurement systems can help demonstrate the value of diaspora-led initiatives and ensure their efforts are visible, credible and quantifiable. Through methods such as data collection, monitoring frameworks, or storytelling supported by evidence, assessing impact can strengthen stakeholder confidence, inform strategic planning and improve programme design. In turn, this visibility supports reputation building and enables diasporas to attract greater resources, secure funding and advocate more effectively for policy inclusion. Trust is the cornerstone of effective diaspora engagement. It is cultivated through transparency, mutual recognition and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders. Diaspora organizations thrive when supported by agile governance structures, clearly defined roles and inclusive decision-making processes. Aligning diaspora-led initiatives with national development priorities – and co-branding them with governments or international agencies – can enhance their legitimacy and visibility. Such partnerships foster a sense of shared ownership and bridge the gap between institutional actors and diaspora communities. Above all, clarity in roles, processes and anticipated outcomes is essential to nurturing long-term, impactful collaborations. Diaspora actors are often motivated by a deep sense of identity, solidarity and civic responsibility. To

generate long-term impact, their time, skills and expertise must be meaningfully recognized – and, where appropriate, compensated. Valuing diaspora contributions through mechanisms such as honorariums, institutional partnerships and formal policy recognition helps prevent burnout and ensures continued engagement. Governments and international organizations can support this by creating professional registries, establishing streamlined funding pathways and integrating diaspora roles more formally within national health systems. These measures position diaspora expertise as a vital public good and lay the foundation for structured, mutually beneficial collaboration. Building resilience and fostering innovation in diaspora engagement requires a deliberate intergenerational approach. Secondand third-generation diaspora members often bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency and creative solutions to challenges in health and well-being. Many are already forming dynamic networks that can be mobilized for transformative action. To bridge generational divides and ensure sustained participation, it is vital to invest in mentorship programmes, youth-led initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms. Creating intentional spaces for younger diaspora voices not only honours continuity and heritage but also enables the emergence of new models rooted in innovation, adaptability and inclusive leadership. 4 Most diaspora communities are uniquely positioned to strengthen health-care systems in both their countries of origin and the countries where they are currently residing as diaspora or refugees, particularly during crises. Jin Dawod, Visionary Founder, Peace Therapist Health and Well-beingRegional and global collaboration is essential to scale and systematize diaspora impact. Governments and international partners should champion platforms that facilitate the cross-border exchange of diaspora-driven models. Establishing knowledge hubs, digital repositories and regional centres of excellence can help consolidate best practices while allowing for local adaptation. These interconnected ecosystems enable peer learning, foster policy coherence and create pathways for diaspora actors to transition from isolated efforts to coordinated, collective impact at scale. 5 Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth Empowerment

1.3 Agile and inclusive by design: Practical frameworks for scalable diaspora engagement Digital innovation is a powerful catalyst for diaspora engagement, enabling real-time collaboration, scalable participation and rapid response during crises. Platforms like iDiaspora.org illustrate the potential of digital ecosystems to connect diaspora communities globally – facilitating knowledge exchange, mentorship and transnational collective action. To fully unlock this potential, governments and international organizations must invest in inclusive, multilingual and user-centred platforms that prioritize accessibility and meaningful participation. These digital spaces should go beyond communication – they should serve as co-creation hubs, empowering diasporas to contribute their expertise in agile, strategic and impactful ways. Recognizing the diversity and mobility of diaspora actors, engagement models must be adaptive, hybrid and inclusive. Diaspora professionals often navigate transnational commitments and operate across multiple geographies. To maximize reach and participation, institutions should blend physical and virtual modes of engagement – combining in-person forums, consultations and site visits with digital platforms and virtual convenings. Hybrid models ensure accessibility across time zones, travel constraints and physical distances, enabling broad and equitable representation. This approach helps reflect the voices of both established and emerging diaspora communities in policy dialogues and decision-making processes. Effective crisis response depends on proactive planning – and diasporas must be integrated into preparedness systems before emergencies unfold. Whether facing health crises, climate-related disasters, or socioeconomic shocks, diaspora communities can serve as first responders, coordinators and fundraisers – provided they are equipped with the right tools and frameworks. To unlock this potential, governments and institutions should formalize the role of diaspora networks within national and regional emergency preparedness strategies. This includes involving them in simulation exercises, targeted training programmes and rapid response protocols. Strengthening these systems in advance allows for the swift mobilization of diaspora expertise, minimizing delays and maximizing impact when crises strike. Fostering flexibility and innovation is essential to help people navigate complex

realities. We need to encourage hybrid models – both online and communitybased – to make health care more accessible and reachable for those in need. It’s also important to recognize the diaspora as a change agent – not just as temporary support, but as a diverse and lasting force for long-term improvements in health-care systems. This is especially crucial in sensitive areas of care, such as physical and mental health. Dr Jihaan Hassan Mohamed, General Director, Dr Sumait Hospital in MogadishuConclusion Diaspora communities are uniquely positioned as multisolvers – bridging disciplines, geographies and institutions to drive systemic change across health, development and crisis response. Their cross-sectoral expertise and dual embeddedness allow them to respond rapidly in emergencies, foster culturally grounded health solutions and innovate at the intersection of public health, education, entrepreneurship and climate action. When equipped with enabling environments – such as digital platforms, hybrid engagement models and formalized roles in preparedness systems – diasporas can serve as trusted connectors, policy influencers and first responders. Their contributions are not only technical but also deeply social and relational, helping to rebuild trust, coherence and equity in fragmented systems. To unlock this transformative potential, diaspora engagement must evolve from sporadic support to structured, inclusive and institutionalized participation. This requires embedding diaspora actors in national development strategies, creating dedicated funding mechanisms and integrating them into long-term health and well-being frameworks. Investing in agile digital infrastructure, intergenerational leadership and impact measurement tools will further enable diasporas to operate as co-creators of resilient, future-ready societies. With the right policy scaffolding, diaspora actors can shift from being external allies to becoming essential partners in advancing systemic, people-centred and sustainable solutions. 6 Health and Well-being To fully harness the potential of diaspora engagement, it is crucial to move beyond a solely humanitarian lens. Diasporas must be recognized as long-term development partners – actively contributing across

economic, cultural and social sectors. This requires systematically embedding diaspora engagement within national development plans, labour-market strategies, innovation ecosystems and education policies. By aligning diaspora participation with broader policy objectives, governments can foster coherence, ensure sustainability and reinforce the role of diasporas as equal stakeholders in shaping resilient, inclusive and future-ready societies. Diaspora communities are natural innovators, bringing not only financial capital but also entrepreneurial insight and technical expertise across diverse sectors. From launching health start-ups to advancing manufacturing technologies and creative industries, diasporas offer solutions rooted in both global experience and local relevance. To scale these contributions, institutions must establish targeted funding opportunities, transparent regulatory frameworks and accessible investment mechanisms tailored for diaspora engagement. These systems should be grounded in a shared vision, aligned values and streamlined procedures – empowering diasporas to drive sustainable development through bold, locally attuned innovation. Migrants and their families must have an active role in these dialogues and engagements. Their first-hand experiences and feedback are crucial for aligning programmes and policies that truly address their concerns. At the same time, we must ensure the welfare of our health-care providers by offering better compensation, comprehensive benefits and improved working conditions. Carmelita G. Nuqui, President, Philippine Migrants Rights Watch (PMRW)Theme 2: Climate action KEY HIGHLIGHTS Diaspora communities are essential actors in the global response to climate change, uniquely positioned to bridge local knowledge with global expertise. Their ability to operate fluidly across borders, sectors and cultures enables them to advance innovative, context-specific solutions that address both immediate climate related impacts and long-term sustainability. By mobilizing their technical skills, financial resources and transnational networks, diasporas can help countries strengthen climate resilience, close capacity gaps and accelerate implementation of national, regional and global climate goals. When actively engaged in climate action, diasporas can catalyze systemic transformation through inclusive

partnerships and cross-border collaboration. Their involvement in local adaptation efforts, green entrepreneurship and international advocacy fosters holistic approaches that integrate environmental, social and economic dimensions. Diasporas not only serve as connectors between governments, civil society and the private sector but also as champions of equity and innovation. Recognizing and institutionalizing their contributions is key to advancing climate justice and building more resilient, future-ready communities in both countries of origin and destination. 2.1 From dialogue to action: Institutionalizing diaspora roles in climate governance and investment partnerships Climate action is inherently complex and interdependent, demanding inclusive, cross-border collaboration to generate meaningful and lasting impact. Diaspora communities, with their dual understanding of local realities and global systems, are uniquely positioned to act as strategic connectors – linking international institutions, grass-roots movements, technical experts and private sector actors. Their ability to navigate multiple worlds allows them to co-design climate solutions that are both globally informed and locally relevant. To harness this potential, governments could adopt multi-stakeholder frameworks that centre diaspora voices in climate governance. Integrating diaspora actors into national and regional climate strategies – through mechanisms such as climate action advisory groups – can institutionalize their input and transform ad hoc contributions into sustained partnerships. These advisory bodies, bringing together diaspora organizations, government entities, NGOs and international partners, can foster inclusive dialogue, strengthen coordination and ensure that diaspora-driven climate innovation becomes an integral part of long-term resilience planning. 7 Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Gender and Youth Empowerment We firmly believe that scaling up diaspora-led projects through strategic partnerships and sustainable financing mechanisms can significantly amplify their positive impact, serving as powerful examples of successful collaboration. Alexandre Nevsky Rodrigues, National Secretary for Climate Action, the Government of Cabo VerdeTo accelerate climate innovation and scale solutions, diaspora-led public-private partnerships must be

strategically supported and institutionalized. Diaspora entrepreneurs and professionals often possess credibility, cross-sectoral networks and technical expertise to convene actors from business, academia and civil society around shared climate goals. These individuals serve as trusted bridges across sectors, capable of driving collaborative action aligned with both national priorities and international commitments. Through these cross-sectoral partnerships, diasporas help create platforms that amplify innovative and sustainable solutions. Green diaspora investment schemes offer a promising mechanism to channel diaspora capital into high-impact areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure. By aligning diaspora resources with public and private sector initiatives, stakeholders can unlock innovative financing pathways and co-create context-relevant solutions – ranging from reforestation projects and energy efficiency programmes to climate-smart food systems. Embedding diaspora partnerships into broader investment and climate strategies is critical for driving equitable, scalable and sustainable transformation. Financial empowerment and literacy are foundational to unlocking the full potential of diaspora engagement in climate action. Access to and comprehension of innovative climate finance mechanisms – such as green bonds, blue bonds and blended finance instruments – can be transformative for diaspora communities eager to invest in sustainable development. However, meaningful participation in these opportunities requires targeted support. Tailored financial education programmes are essential to help diasporas navigate complex funding ecosystems and assess the risks and rewards of climate-related investments. Transparent communication about available tools, financing structures and regulatory frameworks can build trust, reduce barriers to entry and increase participation. Moreover, promoting diversified and resilient funding models will strengthen the long-term sustainability of diaspora-led climate initiatives, enabling them to move from pilot projects to scalable solutions with lasting impact. Promoting inter-diaspora collaboration and South–South partnerships can significantly amplify the reach, innovation and impact of climate action. Diaspora communities from diverse regions often face parallel climate vulnerabilities and development challenges, making them natural allies in addressing environmental

threats. Facilitating cooperation across diaspora groups – particularly through mechanisms like thirdcountry climate action frameworks – can lead to the co-creation of cr