EBA and Delmi are now jointly producing a knowledge overview that will explore how different diaspora groups in Sweden work with aid and development in their countries of origin. What, for example, do the challenges and forms of cooperation look like, and what motivations drive this work? The overview will also identify knowledge gaps and contribute to a better understanding of the diaspora’s potential as being a bridge between Sweden and other countries.
Some of the questions that will be addressed are:
• What organizational forms exist?
• What funding models and types of activities occur?
• How does diaspora aid work relate to official Swedish development assistance?
• To what extent are there links to private business and entrepreneurship, both in Sweden and in recipient countries?
The importance of diaspora contributions to the development of low- and middle-income countries is described in the UN Global Compact for Migration (GCM) from 2018. This may involve, for example, remittances, humanitarian assistance in times of crisis, support to civil society, or philanthropy in a more traditional sense. Global Compact for Migration | United Nations
Delmi has previously also described how diasporas can influence development in their countries of origin, for instance through knowledge transfer, peacebuilding and reconstruction, or investments (Olsson, 2016). Diaspora – a concept in development – Delmi
A Delmi report from 2018 focused on the Somali diaspora in Sweden and humanitarian work: “Somali Diaspora Groups in Sweden – Engagement in Development and Relief Work in the Horn of Africa” (Kleist, 2018). Somali Diaspora Groups in Sweden – Delmi
Authors:
Erik Olsson och Annika Rabo
Project managers at EBA:
Malin Ahrne och Ravneet Singh