Climate change is today’s greatest global challenge and requires the mobilisation of the whole of society to be addressed, including migrant and diaspora communities. While diaspora contributions have been widely recognised, particularly in the development and crisis settings, there is still much that can be done to leverage diasporas’ potential to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This side-event aims to highlight the important role of the diaspora as global climate actors and stakeholders. It will provide a snapshot of the many ways in which the diaspora can contribute to climate action by showcasing existing good practices in diaspora involvement in their countries of origin, from empowering youth to providing expert advice to governments and supporting the private sector.

Speakers will include:

• Kanta Kumari Rigaud, Lead Environment Specialist, the World Bank Group

• Jebi Rahman, Co-founder, the Bangladeshi Diaspora Climate Action (BDCA), and Head of Transparency & Pathways at the Climate Group

• Elizabeth Mullings-Smith, Chair of the Planet Group, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, and Managing Director at Maya Blue

• Gideon Commey, Environmental Activist, Doctoral Researcher in Food Systems and Founder of the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM)

This event will also offer an opportunity to connect with representatives of the diaspora, international and non-governmental organisations, academics, and other government officials who will be attending this roundtable discussion.

IOM will soon be launching an innovative project, funded by the IOM Development Fund, which aims to demonstrate the unique role of the diaspora as climate actors. The project Diaspora 4 Climate Action will strengthen diaspora engagement in climate action with their countries of origin by fostering opportunities for collaboration on climate action between the diaspora, governments and other key stakeholders in Albania, Bangladesh, Ghana and Jamaica.