This chapter discusses the diffusion of external voting in North and West Africa since the early 1990s, and diaspora participation in elections in countries of origin. It starts by examining the idea that the spread of external voting is attributable solely to the emergence of diaspora policies and political liberalization processes. It then looks at the influence of citizens abroad on elections by analysing their turnout and political preferences.

The global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant attention to migrant remittances and the potential impact of a projected decline in their volumes. It is important, however, to recognize that migrants contribute much more, both in financial and indirect ways, to their country of origin (CoO). Responses and policies that are being considered should cover all aspects of migrants’ contributions, not only remittances.

Resumen gráfico del Encuentro Global Virtual de Diásporas sobre la respuesta al COVID-19 

Compte-rendu visuel de l'échange global et virtuel de la diaspora sur la réponse au COVID-19 organisé par l'OIM le 20 mai 2020.

Flyer with information regarding the European Union Global Diaspora Facility

The brief report outlines the main interventions from panelists and participants as well as some of the best practices identified and potential next steps proposed during the first Global Diaspora Virtual Exchange on Response to COVID-19 organised on 22 April 2020 by iDiaspora and IOM with the support of their co-conveners: the African Diaspora Network, the Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Platform, DEMAC, and Omek.

This guide seeks to address the following questions:

In-keeping with the theme of reflective learning, in this issue we begin to explore the idea of sustainable development, focusing mainly on the areas of Food and Technology, with a few of our friends. As you read the contributions outlined throughout this write-up, we urge you to consider how they resonate with you.

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, with more than one million confirmed cases globally, businesses and employers – alongside governments and other stakeholders – have a vital role to play in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of the estimated 164 million international migrant workers and their communities around the world.

Summary of the best practices discussed at the Global Diaspora Virtual Exchange.