conference background
The International Conference on the Future Agenda of Action for Global Diaspora Engagement is to bring together the supporters of the Dublin Declaration to glean insights from leading-edge practices in diaspora engagement. Additionally, the conference seeks to inaugurate the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance. This alliance is envisioned as a pivotal foundation for crafting the future roadmap of global diaspora engagement initiatives.
Panel Introduction
Diaspora communities play a crucial role in advancing the green and blue economies, leveraging their diverse capitals—human, cultural, social, and economic—to finance, catalyze, and implement sustainable solutions across borders. Their multifaceted identities uniquely position them as powerful agents of innovation and investment in environmental sustainability. With deep-rooted cultural insights and expansive transnational networks, diasporas can significantly enhance access to green and blue finance. They are instrumental in promoting sustainable economic growth and developing innovative programs that aid the transition to environmentally sustainable economies. Through investments in sustainable projects, extensive networking, advocacy for relevant policies, and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into local strategies, these communities bolster resilience and drive comprehensive sustainable development.
Recognizing the transformative impact of diasporas, it is essential for governments to establish supportive frameworks that maximize these contributions. Governments are increasingly implementing policies and programs designed to strengthen resilience against climate disasters, enhance capacity development, and incorporate these efforts into strategic national planning. These initiatives are also focused on developing long-term partnerships that support the goals of green and blue economies, thereby catalyzing profound and enduring environmental solutions. Strategic alignment and collaboration between governments and diasporas in both origin and destination countries are fundamental. By developing targeted diaspora engagement policies and crafting specific financial products and services, governments can effectively harness diaspora capital and investment to combat climate change.
To further harness diaspora capital, including investments, talent, know-how and networks, in developing sustainable solutions and advancing transnational policies for climate adaptation and mitigation, it is crucial to fully recognize and utilize their potential as key partners in sustainable development. Additionally, documenting the scope and impact of their activities is essential to demonstrate their effectiveness in combating climate change and to scale up innovative initiatives that build resilient systems. By improving data collection, developing suitable metrics, capturing qualitative insights, stakeholders can better understand and leverage diaspora’s potential and contributions in driving sustainable solutions.
Panel Objectives
This session will highlight the pivotal role of diaspora communities in advancing sustainable solutions for blue and green economies. Panelists will explore innovative approaches and best practices employed by diaspora innovators and investors to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Key objectives of the session include:
- Explore concrete examples of diaspora-driven initiatives catalyze positive change in key sectors such as renewable energy, conservation, water management, sustainable land use, and agriculture.
- Explore avenues for governments to establish supportive frameworks that effectively leverage diaspora contributions towards green and blue economies.
- Foster strategic alignment and collaboration between diaspora and stakeholders in both home and host countries to bolster resilience and drive sustainable development.
- Enhance data collection methodologies to measure the scope and impact of diaspora engagement in driving sustainable solutions, facilitating informed decision-making and scaling up innovative initiatives.
Guiding Questions
- What are some examples of positive impact or influence of diasporas on development and climate action in both countries of origin and destination? How can the impact of diaspora-driven climate action initiatives on environmental conservation and sustainable development be measured effectively?
- How can we effectively incentivize diaspora investments toward impactful and sustainable solutions in general and climate action in particular? In what ways can the practices and expertise of diaspora-led initiatives be further leveraged for policymaking and the development of resilient cities?
- What mechanisms should be developed to enhance the role of diasporas as both innovators and entrepreneurs in sustainable solutions for climate action?
- How can strategic alignment and collaboration between diaspora and stakeholders in both home and host countries be fostered to bolster resilience and drive sustainable development?
Session Structure
The session will open with a scene setting from the moderator to provide an overview of the session topic, issues to be addressed, expected outcomes, and key stakeholders involved. The moderator will then introduce each of the panelists and invite them to address the guiding questions. The panelists will take turns sharing their knowledge and experience on both good practices and lessons learnt, providing concrete recommendations for different stakeholder groups.
After hearing from the panelists, the floor will open for discussion and online/in-person participants will be invited to intervene with questions and/or comments. The outcomes resulting from the panel discussion and participants' contributions will be documented in a final report of the event, providing valuable insights that will inform the implementation of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance.
The Session will have the following time allocation: The moderator will pose questions, share their own views and best practices, and each speaker will have 3 minutes to share their insights and knowledge.
moderators & speakers
Moderator - Eng. Luís F. Rodrigues
Luís F. Rodrigues is a Cape Verdean and Norwegian Citizen. He has been living in Norway for the last 45 years. He works in Oil and Gas international companies for almost 40 years in various leadership positions. Currently he is working as the Nortuna CV Country Manager and partner, and promoter of the investment project (blue economy) - (Cape Verdean Diaspora)
Panelist 1 - Dr. Nada Berrada
Dr. Nada Berrada, a youth scholar and international development professional from the Moroccan diaspora, is dedicated to advancing education and workforce solutions for youth while tackling global climate challenges. For over a decade, Nada has championed initiatives to uplift youth, notably serving as a youth delegate at the 75th United Nations General Assembly and an African Union Youth Champion. Her focus has been on enhancing educational and employment opportunities for youth.
Currently, she is engaged in the nexus of youth, education, workforce development, and climate at the Education Development Center (EDC), contributing to the "Our World Our Work" mission to support 1 million youth in pursuing inclusive and sustainable jobs in the green and blue economy worldwide.
Nada holds a PhD in Political Science and Sociology, an MA in Public and International Affairs from Virginia Tech, and a BA in Political Science and Economics from the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco. Nada believes that today’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. Through her work, she seeks to inspire and equip young people with the tools they need to forge their own paths and ensure they have the support systems needed to thrive.
Panelist 2 - Indira Kartallozi
Indira Kartallozi - is the director at Kaleidoscope Futures and founder of Sustainability Leadership Kosova. Indira’s expertise ranges from sustainability, social enterprise, human rights and transformative leadership. Her work in sustainability has taken her to various countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America. Currently she serves as an independent assessor at University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership in the UK and. Recognised as top 100 CSR Leaders, she also influences the work of ‘Impacto’ - a Malaysian social enterprise which helps future-proof businesses against economic, environmental and social risks, Women for Peace and Participation (WPP) - a non-profit organisation promoting social and political leadership of women, and Mentoring our Future - a Kosovo based initiative promoting knowledge exchange and professional mentorship.
Panelist 3 - Sonia Araujo Lopes
Sonia Araujo Lopes, an environmental conservation consultant, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biological Sciences and a Master's Degree in Environmental Development Sciences. She has extensive experience in environmental conservation, climate change, and biodiversity management.
Sonia worked as a Programme Analyst for Biodiversity and Disaster Risk Reduction at the Joint UN Office in Cabo Verde, where she led cross-functional teams, coordinated the Climate Promise Program, and provided institutional support in environmental and disaster risk reduction.
Previously, she spent 14 years at the National Directorate of the Environment in Cabo Verde as a technical specialist and Director of the Natural Resources Management Service. In this role, she managed national conservation strategies, developed practical solutions for environmental challenges, and oversaw biodiversity conservation policies. She also served as the Focal Point for the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and was involved in the preparation of the National Biodiversity Report, NBSAP, NDC, Biosphere Reserve, and other strategic documents aimed at environmental conservation.
Currently, she works as an Independent Consultant, residing in the diaspora while continuing to contribute to Cabo Verde's environmental conservation efforts by developing key projects and documents.
Panelist 4 – Dr. Miguel Pedro Sousa Monteiro
Miguel Pedro Sousa Monteiro is a distinguished professional with a Degree in Business Administration from ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics & Management. His career spans various leadership roles, including serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cabo Verde Stock Exchange since March 2021. Prior to this, he was a dedicated Member of Parliament and secretary of the board at the National Assembly of Cabo Verde from 2011 to 2021. His expertise in commerce is evident from his tenure as the Commercial Director at TECNICIL TRADING S.A from 2009 to 2011. Miguel also has a strong background in auditing and finance, having worked as an Internal Auditor at SITA – Sociedade Industrial De Tintas, SA from 2005 to 2009, and as the Administrative and Financial Director at MACRO S.A, a Construction Materials Industry and Trading Society, from 2002 to 2009. He began his illustrious career as an Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 2000 to 2002. Miguel's diverse experience and leadership in finance, commerce, and governance highlight his versatile and dynamic professional journey.
