Diaspora2030

03/06/2026

📊 Help us understand diaspora engagement in Ukraine’s recovery

Would you like to support research exploring how the Ukrainian diaspora contributes to Ukraine’s recovery?

The University of Warwick and Prof. Dr. Maria Koinova are partnering with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH’s programme ‘Shaping Development-oriented Migration’ (MEG) to explore the role of the Global Ukrainian Community in ’s recovery through socially responsible entrepreneurship and engagement with regional and local authorities.

Help shape practical policies by sharing your experience in the survey below!

✍️ Who can participate: Ukrainians living in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Czechia, or Bulgaria who have supported Ukraine from abroad.

⏳ Time commitment: A 20-minute anonymous online survey.

📋 The Goal: Your insights will highlight what works, what is missing and identify barriers.


Make your voice heard and help build bridges for real impact on the ground!

👉 Take the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/np4wubz7 or scan the QR code in the image!

02/06/2026

🌍 Networks that create impact!

Last week, more than 65 members of the Ecuadorian and Colombian diaspora in Germany gathered in Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich for a series of networking events organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

🌐The events provided a space for diaspora members to expand their networks, exchange experiences, and learn more about the support available through GIZ’s ‘Shaping Development-Oriented Migration (MEG) programme.

A highlight of the events was the presentation of MEG’s new micro-grants initiative, which supports diaspora-led travel and events that contribute to sustainable development in and . The new opportunity sparked curiosity and strong interest among participants.

Learn more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/ys2wefd2

The sessions concluded with networking pop-ups, where participants connected, shared practical insights, and explored ideas for future collaboration.

📸 👇 Below are some impressions from the events!

GIZ Ecuador

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🌍 ¡Redes que generan impacto!

La semana pasada, más de 65 miembros de la diáspora ecuatoriana y colombiana en Alemania se reunieron en Colonia, Frankfurt y Múnich para una serie de eventos de networking organizados por Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

🌐 Los eventos ofrecieron un espacio para que los miembros de la diáspora ampliaran sus redes, intercambiaran experiencias y conocieran mejor el apoyo disponible a través del programa de GIZ “Fortaleciendo la Política Migratoria Orientada al Desarrollo (MEG)”.

Uno de los momentos destacados del encuentro fue la presentación de la nueva iniciativa de micro-subvenciones de MEG, que apoya viajes y actividades lideradas por la diáspora que contribuyen al desarrollo sostenible en y . Esta nueva oportunidad despertó gran interés y curiosidad entre l@s participantes.

Para más información y enviar solicitudes: https://tinyurl.com/yupdzdya

Las sesiones concluyeron con networking pop-ups, donde l@s participantes pudieron conectarse, compartir experiencias prácticas y explorar ideas para futuras colaboraciones.

📸 👇 ¡Aquí algunas fotos de los eventos!



GIZ Ecuador

28/05/2026

🎉 Culture, Community, and Connection: Challenge Camerounais 2026!

What a weekend! From 23 to 24 May 2026, the Challenge Camerounais in Emsdetten once again proved to be a vibrant, colourful celebration of the Cameroonian diaspora in Germany. From the energetic mini-football tournament to the rich flavors of authentic food, live music, and dance competitions, the atmosphere was unmatched. 🍲⚽🎶

As part of its programme "Shaping Development-Oriented Migration" (MEG), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH joined the Challenge Camerounais for two enriching days of exchange and fresh impulses with diaspora experts, entrepreneurs, and organisations from across Germany. 🤝

Here are a few key highlights from the event:

🔹Vibrant Networking: The event served as a dynamic space connecting qualified professionals, the young generation, and civil society actors from across the diaspora ecosystem.

🔹Business & Social Forum: This well-attended forum highlighted the growing importance of diaspora entrepreneurship and investment.

🔹Lasting Partnerships: MEG also took the chance to meet long-lasting Germany-based partners like the diaspora organisation E.V. Camfomedics.

Seeing minds meet and ideas flow freely was a great reminder of the power of networks among diaspora actors and the real impact of backing diaspora-led initiatives. 🤝

A huge thank you to Challenge Camerounais for an unforgettable event! 🌍

Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)

21/05/2026

💻 Driving Digital Transformation in Ecuador’s Higher Education

Diaspora expert Juan Carlos Fernández recently returned to , his country of origin, to share his expertise in digital transformation with educators at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. During his assignment, Juan Carlos demonstrated how digital tools are essential to bridge the gap between academia and the business world.

As part of his expert mission, he linked the university’s technology faculty, Unidad Académica de Formación Técnico Tecnológica (PUCE TEC), with the industry, showing through his sessions that while change can feel daunting, digitalisation unlocks new opportunities and supports progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

💬 ‘Digitalisation is no longer an option, but a necessary instrument for transformation.’ Juan Carlos Fernández

🎥 Watch the video below to learn more about Juan Carlos’ work.

Juan Carlos's engagement as a diaspora expert was supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Since 2016, GIZ has supported more than 1,000 diaspora experts and their short-term assignments around the globe.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3PVRTrc 🌍




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💻 Impulsando la transformación digital en la educación superior en Ecuador

El experto de la diáspora Juan-Carlos Fernandez regresó recientemente a Quito, en el , su país de origen, para compartir su experiencia en transformación digital con docentes y coordinadores de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Durante su misión, Juan Carlos demostró cómo las herramientas digitales son esenciales para cerrar la brecha entre el mundo académico y el empresarial.

Como parte de su misión, Juan Carlos conectó la Unidad Académica de Formación Técnico Tecnológica (PUCE TEC) de la universidad con la industria, mostrando a través de sus sesiones que, aunque el cambio puede parecer abrumador, la digitalización abre nuevas oportunidades y apoya el avance hacia los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

💬 “La digitalización ya no es una opción, sino una herramienta necesaria para la transformación.” Juan Carlos Fernández

🎥 Descubre en el video el trabajo que realiza Juan Carlos.

La participación de Juan Carlos como experto de la diáspora fue apoyada por Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH. Desde 2016, GIZ ha apoyado a más de 1.000 expertxs de la diáspora y sus misiones de corta duración alrededor del mundo.

Conoce más: http://bit.ly/4v1qIua 🌍

11/05/2026

🌍 Harnessing the Potential of the African Diaspora for Development and Regional Integration

From 30 April to 1 May 2026, stakeholders from across the continent gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum, organised by the Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS), the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), in collaboration with GIZ commissioned by BMZ.

Bringing together governments, diaspora representatives, regional institutions, private sector actors, and development partners, the Forum created space for:

🔹 Harnessing the immense potential of the African diaspora for development and regional integration
🔹 Strengthening coordination and cooperation on diaspora engagement across Africa
🔹 Moving beyond fragmented national approaches towards more harmonised regional and continental action
🔹 Promoting exchange and learning on effective diaspora engagement practices

We were proud to see members of MEG’s Diaspora Advisory Board (DAB) Dr Waka Aderajew and Dr Kwaku Arhin-Sam participate in the Forum. Their contributions highlighted the importance of embedding diaspora voices in co-creation and decision-making at programme level and strengthening their influence within insititutions.

🤝 The Forum reflected a great interest in a shared commitment to more coordinated, inclusive, and impactful diaspora engagement across the continent.

The event was co-organised by GIZ through its programmes “Shaping Development-Oriented Migration” (MEG), Better Migration Management (BMM), co-funded by the European Union, and WiDU-Africa.

Stay tuned for more highlights from the Forum!

05/05/2026

Hello from New York! 🗽

The International Migration Review Forum ( ) 2026 is taking place this week, and the GIZ MEG programme is heading to New York to contribute to the global dialogue.

Alongside its focus on diaspora engagement, this year, MEG is spotlighting the global care economy, where migrant workers, especially women, form the backbone of the workforce. GIZ and International Labour Organization co-organised in partnership with the EU, the Government of Nepal, and the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) a side event on legal frameworks and gender-responsive approaches to improve working conditions and reduce vulnerabilities.

Join the virtual panel discussion where MEG’s Programme Director, David Nii Addy, will deliver the closing remarks:

📢 Empowerment and Rights Protection of Women Migrant Workers in the Care Economy

📍 Format: Hybrid at the ILO Office New York and online
🗓️ Date: 7 May, 08:15 EST

MEG is also co-hosting additional side events on women’s empowerment:

📢 5 May: Gender-Responsive Guidance from the Grassroots: Lessons from the FeMig Project for GCM Implementation (Hybrid)

📢 8 May: Promoting the Economic and Social Inclusion of Women through Gender-Responsive Migration (In person)

📢 8 May: Towards Migration Governance with a Care Perspective (Hybrid)

Whether you are joining in the room or tuning in virtually, your participation is important.

Registration links and more information in the pinned comment! 👇

This initiative is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH GmbH on behalf of Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).

01/05/2026

The secret is out! 📣

We are very excited to officially launch our newest offer: the Diaspora Micro Grants.

Are you part of the diaspora living in Germany? Do you want to drive positive change in your country of origin?

At the ‘Shaping development-oriented migration’ (MEG) programme, we know that your unique qualifications, networks, and deep understanding of local needs are invaluable resources for sustainable development. We also believe that commitment does not always require massive funding to be effective. Sometimes, a single meeting, a dedicated workshop, or a strategic trip is all it takes to spark something truly great.

To help create more of these "spark" moments, our new Micro Grants instrument offers targeted support for your engagement:

🔹 Event Support: Up to €8,000 for organising development-focused events in Germany.

🔹 Travel Support: Reimbursements for impactful domestic and international trips.

Turn your ideas into action. Find out more about the eligibility criteria and apply here: https://diaspora2030.grantplatform.com/ 🌍💡

We are very proud of this initiative, and we want to extend a huge thank you to the Diaspora Advisory Board for their invaluable help in shaping it. 🤝

This initiative is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).

29/04/2026

The momentum is building! 🌍

As we approach the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, the global conversation on migration is coming to life. Stakeholders from around the world are gathering first virtually this week, and the MEG programme of GIZ is proud to be actively involved.

🗣Kicking things off tomorrow Thursday 30 April, we turn to a topic at the very heart of our work: the incredible power of the diaspora.

📢 In our side-event "Leveraging Diaspora Contributions for Sustainable Development" at 12:00 CEST, we will explore how transnational diaspora communities can become strategic development partners beyond remittances -through investment, trade, innovation, and knowledge transfer.

The event will highlight the experiences of , , and to see how government leadership and international partnerships can effectively enhance diaspora engagement.

Registration
🕓 30 April - 12:00 CEST (Diaspora Contributions): https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=LSaIFfsjtEO9brzknI5hhvfUSl1xaCNDhssTPiTty4BUMVZHNjMyOTBDVTFUWFNaUDRLQkZGMFRFTS4u&route=shorturl

This initiative is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)

27/04/2026

Don't miss out! The deadline for the BID Acceleration offer has been extended to 30 April 2026.

📣 Great news for diaspora entrepreneurs!

We are thrilled to announce that the deadline for the Business Ideas for Development (BID) Acceleration offer has been officially extended to 30 April 2026.

If you are a Germany alumnus or a diaspora entrepreneur who has started a business in Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Serbia, Tunisia, or Viet Nam in the last five years, this could be for you.

The BID Acceleration offer assists you in developing your business by providing:
🚀 Online training sessions and individual coaching tailored to your specific needs.
🤝 Matchmaking activities that help you find investors and business partners.
🌍 Networking events to present your products and exchange experiences.


Take your business and your impact to the next level. Apply now before the new deadline closes!
🔗 Visit our website to learn more: https://diaspora2030.de/aktuelles/business-acceleration


Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is supporting to implement their business ideas in selected partner countries.

24/04/2026

🎨 Art is the best way to communicate messages, and this is why we chose a photo exhibition featuring portraits of Albanian Members of the Diaspora to show the importance of the diaspora in the sustainable development of their countries of origin.

This week, we proudly hosted in Albania a special exhibition at the COD - Center For Openness And Dialogue exploring the profound experiences of the Albanian diaspora.

Featuring powerful photographic portraits by Jutta Benzenberg, the opening event sparked incredible conversations about migration journeys and the diaspora's vital contribution to Albania's socio-economic development.

A key highlight of this event:

Several diaspora members previously supported by the PMD-MEG programme took the stage to share their personal testimonies and inspire others to drive sustainable change.

This initiative is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).