African Diaspora Policy Centre holds two days consultative meeting on Good Practices for Diaspora Engagement in Homeland Development for the Diaspora-oriented Institutions of the Countries in the Region. 
Somalilandsun- African Diaspora Policy Centre (ADPC) has held two days (6-7 July) consultative meeting on Good Practices for Diaspora Engagement in Homeland Development for IGAD Member States at Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This Consultation Meeting was intended to provide a platform for senior policy makers and heads of Diaspora unities and the departments and/or agencies established by the governments of IGAD member states in order to convene, share and exchange examples of good practices on Diaspora engagement endeavors and at the same time identity the capacity development needs of such newly-formed Diaspora-oriented institutions as well as the specific technical support they need to strengthen their technical policy-making capabilities and operational performances.
Delegates from the countries Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Somaliland, Somalia and Ethiopia attended the meeting which was opened by Ms. FathiaAlwan, the IGAD ProgrammeManager for Health and Social Development in place of the Executive Secretary of IGAD. At the opening, also, the Chairman of African Diaspora Policy Centre, Prof Mohamed Salim, the Executive Director Mr. Awil Mohamed and the Project Associate, Mr. CiaranHickeywho all emphasized the importance of Diaspora Engagement Migration Development and the necessary policies needed to be sep by the respective countries. The final lecture of the first day of the meeting was given by Prof. GerdJunne.
In the two days, different sessions were undertaken in relation to the blueprint for engaging the Diaspora in the homeland development, successful Diaspora development models including Mexico, Ethiopia and other countries whose cases of good practices and experienced derived from them were showcased. The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the AUC presented a perspective on global Diaspora engagement policy and practice.
At the end, the participants are required to identity the priority areas of partnership and collaboration in which joint actions and activities can be developed which is regarded implementable in the coming 3 years. The key areas for consideration include capacity building, direct technical support, setting up formal mechanisms or network for exchange of experiences and good practices on Diaspora engagement.
The Meeting is facilitated by Peter Mudungwe, Migration Advisor for the AU Commission in Addis Ababa.
It was the first of its kind ever held for the countries in the region to share ideas, information, and good practices and jointly discuss and decide what appropriate action they have to take towards their Diaspora Engagement and Migration Development.
The African Diaspora Policy Centre (ADPC) is a an independent think tank in the field of migration and development and a leading African Diaspora Institution in Europe committed to empowering African Diaspora as change agents for the development of Africa.
July 6th, 2016, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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