OIM - Taking Stock from Insight to Impact – Diaspora Engagement in the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN)

TAKING STOCK: FROM INSIGHT TO IMPACT Diaspora Engagement in the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN)The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries.

IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

Author: Fabrizia Camplone Reviewers: Daniele Panzeri, Larisa Lara, Roberto Gil Cancel Comas, Alessandro de Donato, Anna Valtolina,

Marcella Pasotti

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Cover photo: Diaspora-led development project on sustainable agriculture in Ecuador funded by IOM COMED.

© IOM 2018 / Para T odos Required Citation: Camplone, F. (2025). Taking Stock: from Insight to Impact – Diaspora Engagement in the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN). International Organization for Migration (IOM), Rome.

ISBN 978-92-9278-039-5 (PDF)

© IOM 2025

Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN). International Organization for Migration (IOM), Rome.

ISBN 978-92-9278-039-5 (PDF)

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PUB2025/056/RTAKING STOCK: FROM INSIGHT TO IMPACT Diaspora Engagement in the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN)CONTENTS Background 1

Setting the Scene: Diaspora Engagement across the HDPN 3

Introduction 3 The Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN) 3 The potential and intersection of diaspora engagement across the HDPN 4 Key Dimensions to Operationalize Diaspora Engagement across the Nexus 6 Representation and recognition 6 Conducive environments 10 Partnerships 14 Funding 18 Impact 22 Annex 26 Diaspora organizations 26 Other participant organizations 28HDPN Conference organized by IOM COMED. © IOM 2025BACKGROUND The document summarizes the outcomes of the conference “Building Bridges: Diaspora Engagement in the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN)”, organized by the Migration and Development Unit of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean (COMED) in Rome, Italy, on 21 February 2025. The event aimed to explore the potential and challenges of diaspora engagement across the HDPN and to encourage reflections on the importance of supporting

organized by the Migration and Development Unit of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean (COMED) in Rome, Italy, on 21 February 2025. The event aimed to explore the potential and challenges of diaspora engagement across the HDPN and to encourage reflections on the importance of supporting diaspora initiatives with a focus on development and humanitarian action interventions. The event adopted a participatory approach that encouraged active discussion and collaboration among approximately 60 experts, including diaspora members, representatives from local, national and international institutions, civil society organizations, United Nations agencies and academics. A detailed list of the participants is available in the Annex of the document. Following a set-the-scene panel with key speakers, participants were invited to engage in working groups centred around four main topics: advocating, localizing, partnering and transferring knowledge. The advocating session focused on how to enhance diaspora participation in decision-making processes and establish coordination mechanisms. The localizing session addressed funding channels, bureaucratic challenges and the role of diasporas in localizing the HDPN. The partnering session explored the dynamics among diaspora partnerships and the added value of partnering with diasporas across the HDPN. The transferring knowledge session focused on identifying, assessing and mobilizing skilled diaspora members and organizations, as well as tools and best practices for knowledge transfer. Each working group was facilitated by an IOM staff member and a diaspora representative, ensuring a balanced and inclusive exchange of ideas. While not exhaustive, the document aims to capture the main findings and insights from the event, detailing why and how diaspora engagement can be enhanced and operationalized across the HDPN. Moreover, the document lays out the best practices, challenges and recommendations identified during the conference. A heartfelt thanks is extended to all the participants whose invaluable contributions and shared expertise were instrumental in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the conference. Their collaborative spirit and dedication were key to addressing the complex themes explored during the event and drafting this paper.

practices, challenges and recommendations identified during the conference. A heartfelt thanks is extended to all the participants whose invaluable contributions and shared expertise were instrumental in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the conference. Their collaborative spirit and dedication were key to addressing the complex themes explored during the event and drafting this paper.

Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 1Diaspora-led aid distribution during COVID-19 pandemic. © IOM 2020 / Generazione Ponte Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 2SETTING THE SCENE: DIASPORA

ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE HUMANITARIAN, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE NEXUS 1 United Nations General Assembly (2016). Outcome of the World Humanitarian Summit – Report of the Secretar y-General (A/ 71/353), United Nations, New York. 2 For more information: https://un.org/jsc/content/ne w-way-working . 3 International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2023). Institutional Guidance on Operationalizing the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus (HDPN) , IOM, Geneva (internal document). INTRODUCTION Diaspora engagement refers to the meaningful participation and contributions of migrants and their descendants in the social, economic and political development of both their countries of origin and destination. Rooted in a shared identity and collective responsibility, it fosters transnational cooperation and supports common goals, including sustainable development, inclusive governance and effective migration management. As powerful drivers of sustainable development, diaspora communities contribute far beyond remittances-bringing investments, knowledge, partnerships, policy advocacy and humanitarian support. Their multifaceted engagement positions them as vital partners in tackling global challenges and advancing inclusive, resilient societies. While diaspora identities are fluid and self-defined, new generations play an essential role as transnational bridge-builders, often bringing into innovative approaches, digital solutions and hybrid cultural identities that reflect and connect at least two countries through which they trace their heritage and lived experiences. Diaspora communities are highly diverse, encompassing

are fluid and self-defined, new generations play an essential role as transnational bridge-builders, often bringing into innovative approaches, digital solutions and hybrid cultural identities that reflect and connect at least two countries through which they trace their heritage and lived experiences. Diaspora communities are highly diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum of identities, affiliations and capacities that evolve over time. They may be structured around ethnic, geographic, or political affiliations, but also shared values, professional networks and generational ties. Some diaspora actors operate through formal institutions and well-established organizations, while others engage at a grassroots or informal level. Diaspora organizations and individuals often give their time and resources out of strong community commitment. However, relying on voluntary efforts alone can stretch their capacity and highlights the need for long-term support and investment. These varying levels of organization influence their capacity to contribute effectively to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding initiatives.

THE HUMANITARIAN,

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE NEXUS

The Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN) framework emerged as a response to the fragmented nature of international aid and crisis management. It was formalized through the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit 1 and the United Nations’ New Way of Working (NWOW),2 which called for stronger collaboration between humanitarian, development and peace actors. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of the three components, this approach promotes coherent, complementary and context-driven interventions, addressing the root causes of conflicts and disasters while fostering resilience, social cohesion and long-term stability. It shifts away from short-term, siloed responses towards integrated, needs-based and sustainable solutions that prevent and mitigate future crises. A key aspect of the HDPN is the localization of aid, which involves recognizing and shifting decision-making, resources and leadership from international actors to local organizations, communities and governments. By leveraging local knowledge, resources and capacities, the localization agenda ensures more contextually relevant and

localization of aid, which involves recognizing and shifting decision-making, resources and leadership from international actors to local organizations, communities and governments. By leveraging local knowledge, resources and capacities, the localization agenda ensures more contextually relevant and effective responses by empowering those closest to crises to lead humanitarian and development efforts. By leveraging the HDPN and localization principles, IOM aims to provide holistic and sustainable solutions to complex crises. IOM's strategy involves integrating HDPN approaches in data analysis, programming, coordination, knowledge management and resource mobilization efforts, ensuring that its interventions are tailored to the needs and capacities of affected communities.3

Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 3THE POTENTIAL AND

INTERSECTION OF DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE HDPN As transnational actors, diaspora communities are uniquely positioned at the intersection of humanitarian action, development cooperation and peacebuilding, and play a vital and often underrecognized role in bridging these traditionally siloed domains and reshaping them. Drawing from strong emotional ties, cultural insights and extensive transnational networks, they mobilize rapidly during crises – whether triggered by natural disasters or conflicts – offering essential support through remittances, advocacy and direct humanitarian aid. Their deep connections to affected regions allow for precise needs assessment and agile responses, frequently succeeding where traditional systems falter. Beyond emergency response, they play a pivotal role in reconstruction and resilience-building, supporting local recovery efforts. In development, through knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship, advocacy and institutional partnerships, diaspora actors bridge gaps between countries of destination, countries of affiliation and international cooperation frameworks. Their experiences and background help shape more inclusive policies and programmes for the benefit of the societies they connect. In peacebuilding, diasporas play a vital role with their inside knowledge of conflict drivers and their both physical and often metaphoric distance from the conflict itself. Furthermore, their unique ability to navigate multiple identities and realities allows

help shape more inclusive policies and programmes for the benefit of the societies they connect. In peacebuilding, diasporas play a vital role with their inside knowledge of conflict drivers and their both physical and often metaphoric distance from the conflict itself. Furthermore, their unique ability to navigate multiple identities and realities allows them to shed light on the full complexity of conflict dynamics, often raising global awareness about the situations in their countries of affiliation. The blurring of humanitarian, development and peace lines is increasingly evident, and diasporas are very often already operating along this continuum. In many cases, they shift rapidly from development 4 Gamlen A. and A. Chakma (2025). Trusted intermediaries? The role of diasporas in humanitarian assistance . International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 117:105212; International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2021). Migrants play key role in disaster response, IOM explores diaspora’s engagement in humanitarian assistance . 5 “DevelopmentAid.org. (25/03/2025). From staff layoffs to aid cuts: The global humanitarian sector is in turmoil” , Retrieved 21/05/2025; World Economic Forum. (21/04/2025). 5 futures for aid in a divided world . Retrieved 21/05/2025. 6 Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (2024). Second Mapping of Good Practice in the Implementation of Humanitaria n-Development-Peace Nexus Approaches – Synthesis Report , IASC, Geneva; Müller-Koné, M., E. Meininghaus, B. Kemmerling and B. Haidara (2024). How can the HDP Nexus Work from the Bottom Up?: A Discussion Paper on Implementation Challenges from a Decolonial Perspective. Insights from Iraq, Mali and South Sudan Bicc Report. Bicc, Bonn; Schreiber, D. and S. Swithern (2023). Co-o rdination across the Humanitaria n-D evelopmen t-Peace Nexus . OECD Development Co-operation Working Papers, No. 114. OECD Publishing, Paris.

and South Sudan Bicc Report. Bicc, Bonn; Schreiber, D. and S. Swithern (2023). Co-o rdination across the Humanitaria n-D evelopmen t-Peace Nexus . OECD Development Co-operation Working Papers, No. 114. OECD Publishing, Paris. initiatives to emergency response when crises strike, going beyond short-term interventions and fostering long-lasting relationships, strengthening local agency and ensuring genuine ownership of initiatives. Diasporas, strategically positioned within complex transnational contexts, play a vital role in advancing peacebuilding efforts. Beyond immediate contributions, diasporas are transforming international cooperation, moving away from rigid, top-down models toward more innovative, context-specific and community-driven solutions. Although diaspora interventions sometimes might deviate from conventional humanitarian principles such as neutrality, their grassroots approaches build trust and provide access to challenging environments. Ultimately, through sustained dialogue, solidarity and culturally informed strategies, diasporas significantly contribute to lasting peace and stability, representing indispensable partners in addressing global humanitarian challenges. 4 Increasingly, governments, NGOs and private sector actors recognize that the existing HDPN framework needs rethinking. The international humanitarian and development infrastructure is currently grappling with significant challenges, exacerbated by budget reductions that have placed immense pressure on already strained systems, reducing available resources for addressing complex global crises. 5 The combination of financial constraints, political prioritization and a lack of coordination among key actors has further highlighted inefficiencies in existing frameworks. Moreover, the increasing severity and frequency of crises continue to test the capacity of traditional aid models to respond effectively. This challenging landscape creates unique opportunities for non-traditional actors, like diasporas, to step in as equal partners, helping to redefine cooperation mechanisms and ensure that responses are tailored to the realities on the ground.6 The challenge ahead is not simply recognizing the strategic role of diasporas

challenging landscape creates unique opportunities for non-traditional actors, like diasporas, to step in as equal partners, helping to redefine cooperation mechanisms and ensure that responses are tailored to the realities on the ground.6 The challenge ahead is not simply recognizing the strategic role of diasporas Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 4but ensuring that their participation is sustainably embedded into HDPN frameworks. Breaking the siloed nature of international cooperation requires a fundamental reconfiguration of engagement models and the creation of mechanisms that allow diaspora actors to move across the Nexus. In line with IOM’s Institutional Guidance on Operationalizing the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus (HDPN) , different strategies are needed to leverage the HDPN. These strategies shall be based on the specific contexts and actors involved. The Guidance identifies diaspora engagement as one of the programmatic areas where a comprehensive Nexus approach should be adopted. The 2022 Evaluation of IOM’s Institutional Approach to the Implementation of the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus7 notes 7 International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2022). Evaluation of IOM’s Institutional Approach to the Implementation of the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus. IOM, Geneva (internal document). 8 International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2023). Framework for Diaspora’s Engagement in Humanitarian Assistance . IOM, Washington, D.C. 9 International Organization for Migration (IOM) (2023). A Model for Diaspora Engagement in Humanitarian Contexts at Country Level: Engagement of the Ukrainian diaspora organizations – Italian Case Study . IOM, Rome. that diaspora engagement is mainly viewed through a development lens. Complementarily, IOM has undertaken notable initiatives to enhance the role of diasporas also in humanitarian action, as consolidated in the IOM Framework for Diaspora’s Engagement in Humanitarian Assistance ,8 which serves as a guide to facilitate streamlined and effective coordination between diasporas and other humanitarian actors. Additionally, Italy’s experience with coordinating and

diasporas also in humanitarian action, as consolidated in the IOM Framework for Diaspora’s Engagement in Humanitarian Assistance ,8 which serves as a guide to facilitate streamlined and effective coordination between diasporas and other humanitarian actors. Additionally, Italy’s experience with coordinating and sub-granting Ukrainian diaspora organizations in 2022 offers a replicable model for engaging diasporas in humanitarian interventions. 9 It is clear that diaspora communities have the capability to be game changers in the operationalization of the HDPN, and it is the responsibility of all actors to unleash this potential. Figure 1. The interconnected and multifaceted roles of diasporas in the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus (HDPN)

DIASPORAS'

ROLES ACROSS

THE HDPN

Enablers PartnersPolicymakers Funders Investors Activists Ambassadors Facilitators with Institutions Leaders Connectors Drivers of Cooperation Advisors Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 5KEY DIMENSIONS TO OPERATIONALIZE

DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE NEXUS

REPRESENTATION AND RECOGNITION Ensuring representation to bring recognition of diaspora communities plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusive and effective engagement at all levels. When diaspora members are consulted, promoted to leading roles and entrusted with guiding coordination bodies, the breadth of their perspectives and expertise resonate powerfully in decision-making processes. Yet several obstacles must be overcome to fully harness their potential. A key consideration in diaspora engagement is the inherent diversity within diaspora communities, which are composed of individuals and groups with distinct leadership styles, varied interests, differing levels of activism and diverse cultural backgrounds. This rich diversity, while valuable, can sometimes lead to internal disagreements linked to political, familial, or ethnic affiliations, potentially making unified representation and advocacy more challenging. Strengthening coordination mechanisms among diaspora members and enhancing collaboration between diaspora

activism and diverse cultural backgrounds. This rich diversity, while valuable, can sometimes lead to internal disagreements linked to political, familial, or ethnic affiliations, potentially making unified representation and advocacy more challenging. Strengthening coordination mechanisms among diaspora members and enhancing collaboration between diaspora communities and other HDPN actors could help address these complexities, foster coherence, and amplify their collective impact. However, if these coordination mechanisms do not adequately reflect the diverse needs and profiles of diaspora communities, there is a risk that decision-making may inadvertently favour specific subgroups based on affiliation, generation, gender, or other factors, leading potentially to “elite capture”. A similar concern applies to international cooperation policies, which may unintentionally prioritize particular geographic areas due to political considerations rather than genuine participatory consultations with diaspora communities. Moreover, striking a balance is essential; insufficient representation can lead to biases, yet overly extensive representation might dilute attention from core priorities. Additionally, understanding the existing power relations within and among diaspora groups is crucial, as these dynamics can significantly affect cohesion and determine which voices are amplified or marginalized in advocacy and decision-making efforts. Another important consideration is the limited representation of diaspora communities within higher-level institutional structures, including governmental and decision-making bodies. Institutions often prefer engaging with formalized organizations due to budgetary, accountability and structural considerations. Consequently, less formal diaspora groups frequently face heightened difficulties in accessing and influencing decision-making processes. Developing inclusive approaches and flexible mechanisms could help address these structural barriers, ensuring a broader spectrum of diaspora voices are meaningfully represented in policy discussions and decision-making. Discrimination and limited inclusion further hinder diaspora mobilization, constraining their capacity to fully utilize their skills, resources and agency. Diaspora communities often perceive international cooperation actors as either actively excluding them or inadvertently dismissing their contributions due to

discussions and decision-making. Discrimination and limited inclusion further hinder diaspora mobilization, constraining their capacity to fully utilize their skills, resources and agency. Diaspora communities often perceive international cooperation actors as either actively excluding them or inadvertently dismissing their contributions due to structural biases, thereby reducing their potential to effectively participate in humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, significant opportunities exist for meaningful diaspora engagement within decision-making processes across the HDPN. Establishing formal coordination mechanisms focused explicitly on humanitarian, development and peace actions can facilitate structured diaspora participation, enhancing their ability to contribute strategically and effectively to global cooperation initiatives. Diasporas have the unique ability to facilitate connections and dialogue between institutions in their countries of affiliation and destination, which is crucial in advancing the HDPN agenda. Initiatives such as the National Diaspora Forum offer a platform for shaping policies that contribute to localization. Additionally, diasporas frequently employ innovative strategies to impact public policy, including creative and unconventional awareness campaigns.

Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 6Recommendations T o governments and policymakers both in countries of destination and affiliation: Understand and address power imbalances and inequalities that prevent diaspora engagement in policymaking to ensure accessible and inclusive consultation spaces for diaspora participation.

Move beyond rigid humanitarian principles’ debates by valuing diaspora communities’ unique strengths, such as their ability to provide local access, cultural insights and build trusted relationships. Develop and implement a blueprint for diaspora engagement in humanitarian response, to be prepared to systematically engage diaspora members and organizations in coordination and response mechanisms when a crisis occurs. These mechanisms can either be developed by building on existing blueprints or be created from the ground up based on the needs of the context. This will facilitate the connection of diaspora communities from the affected country with other humanitarian actors by establishing clear roles and steps to follow ahead of time so coordination can happen smoothly once the need arises.

or be created from the ground up based on the needs of the context. This will facilitate the connection of diaspora communities from the affected country with other humanitarian actors by establishing clear roles and steps to follow ahead of time so coordination can happen smoothly once the need arises. Adopt targeted approaches, such as young-to-young initiatives, to engage specific segments of the diaspora in decision-making policies. T o governments and policymakers in countries of destination: Shift from “inclusion” to “belonging”: engage diasporas from the initial stage not only in programming, services and activities, but also in policy consultation and decision-making, at all scales – international, regional, national and local. Encourage the representation of less formally organized diaspora communities by promoting meetings with community leaders and building connections. Encourage the establishment of umbrella organizations for diaspora communities, tailored to their needs and contexts. These organizations should encompass intergenerational, thematic and even affiliation-based groupings. However, the latter should be eventually phased out once their internal representation is consolidated, to avoid deepening divisions among diaspora communities based on their geographic affiliation and promote a more coordinated and inclusive representation.

Taking Stock: From Insight to Impact | 7T o international organizations and development agencies: Include diaspora members and redistribute decision power into existing forums or mechanisms for HDPN planning and coordination, both in countries of affiliation and destination.

Mainstream diaspora voices into policies and programming, from co-design to implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning. Co-design capacity-sharing initiatives: Listen to diasporas to understand their specific needs and strengths and incorporate this feedback into tailored capacity-sharing initiatives that enhance their influence and effectiveness in humanitarian, development and peace actions. Enhance diasporas’ visibility efforts to highlight their contributions and the benefits of their involvement in HDPN efforts, for example through testimonials and outreach initiatives. Support the creation of diaspora networks that facilitate collaboration and information sharing among diaspora members and organizations, promoting coordinated and efficient efforts across the HDPN.

benefits of their involvement in HDPN efforts, for example through testimonials and outreach initiatives. Support the creation of diaspora networks that facilitate collaboration and information sharing among diaspora members and organizations, promoting coordinated and efficient efforts across the HDPN. Provide training for diaspora members on how to advocate with their national and local institutions to influence policy change, covering key areas such as effective communication, negotiation skills and understanding the policymaking process.

T o diaspora members: Convey clear messages and set measurable advocacy objectives: Ensure that diaspora communities are aware of the purpose and goals of their involvement.

At the same time, use transparent communication channels to disseminate information about HDPN interventions and the role of diasporas in these processes. Track record and monitor the impact of advocacy objectives. Conduct a comprehensive stakeholder mapping to identify and leverage existing stakeholders. Facilitate relationships with CSOs that possess greater influence into existing humanitarian, development and peace processes. Strengthen advocacy and community organizing capabilities: Engage in training programmes to develop skills in those areas, thereby enha