Introduction

In 2018, a World Bank study indicated that one in four people in Latin America identifies as of African descent. This signifies a community of 133 million members. Most of which are concentrated in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and Ecuador, according to data from "Afro-descendants in Latin America, towards a framework of inclusion". However, Afro-descendant communities constitute a highly heterogeneous population and are unevenly distributed in the region, but they share a long history of displacement. In this context, the approach to Afro-descendant identities in the Latin American diaspora constitutes a space for exchange of knowledge, experiences, challenges, and opportunities as well as explore how they relate to those of other communities such as the more recent African diaspora.

Within the framework of these exchanges, giving a voice to the young communities of the diaspora, represented in many cases by second and third generations, is key because their identity construction is often more complex compared to those of the first generation. This contribution will make it possible to broaden the prism of identities as part of building a common future.  Facilitating this exchange at a global level, and specifically at the European level.  Within Europe,  Spain represents one of the main destination countries, where the existence of a common language allows fluid communication and the exploration of common opportunities  and challenges.  For this reason, IOM promotes this dialogue between Latin American communities of African descent and more recent African migrants to enhance the impact and effectiveness of their contributions to society.

Objective

The objective of the Global Virtual Exchange for the Latin American Diaspora of African descent, which coincides with the International Day of Afro-descendants, is double. First, we seek to provide a space for groups in the Afro-descendant Latin American diaspora to explore their belonging to both identities and how this has influenced their experiences in relation to their communities of origin and host.  As a complement to this reflection, we will invite members of the African diaspora to share experiences and practices, explore similarities and differences, and maximize the possibility ofestablishing alliances that could contribute to the creation of a more continuous dialogue of exchange of experiences.

As a result of this Global Meeting Virtual it is expected to contribute to the conversation about the intersectionality and complexity ofthe sense of belonging. This can provide evidence for the development of tailor-made initiatives to address the specific needs of different diaspora groups and understand how multiple identities can drive innovative interventions to drive  sustainable development. To this end, it is expected to  elaborate a document aimed at encouraging the conversations of public and private organizations, which will allow to address the issue of identity, in its dimensions based on shared perspectives and recommendations.

Languages

Primary Spanish but English Translation will be available.

Format

In order to maximise the opportunities for the exchange, a number of different channels will be made available to participants. First, participants will be invited to share their experiences, perspectives, and questions through the iDiaspora forum. Secondly, the participants will have a space to discuss their experiences during the Global Virtual Exchange event that will take place in two thematic sessions.  IOM will compile the presentations and inputs received at the iDiaspora forum  and during the Global Meeting V, which will be reflected in the outcome document in order to encourage greater collaboration with diaspora groups in the future.  This document will be available on iDiaspora.

Within the framework of the iDiaspora forum, each participant is invited to share their experience: https://www.idiaspora.org/en/afrodescendencia.

In this meeting there will be two opportunities for exchange: It will begin with two panels of people from the Latin American diaspora of African descent and Africa who will present their perspectives and concrete experience. Subsequently, participants will be invited to share their contributions during a plenary discussion.