Understanding and engaging with Diasporas [WP883]

This conference discussed the following points:

• Do governments understand diasporas?
• What are the risks of getting it wrong?
• In what ways do diasporas contribute to their host countries and countries of origin and is their contribution adequately valued?
• Should host and sending countries develop common policies?
• How can diasporas best exert their influence?
• What about engagement with political processes, both in originating and host countries?
• What is the role of diasporas in development and in post conflict re-construction?
• How to explore the potential of existing networks?
• Can the experience of more established diaspora groups assist newer communities?
• What is the impact of diasporas on existing societal structures and identities?
• What are the particular issues for women?
• Do perspectives vary across generations?