Kenya Joins Global Diaspora Conference in Cape Verde to Shape Sustainable Development
Kenya is taking part in a two-day international conference in Cape Verde, where discussions are focused on the future of the global diaspora.
This two-day event aims to connect with the global diaspora, especially younger generations, to inspire them to drive global change while adhering to the values outlined in the Dublin Declaration. Established in 2022, this declaration celebrates twenty years since the Maastricht Congress and Declaration. This significant milestone has united various players in education focused on social change, striving to overcome obstacles in development education, human rights education, and sustainable development education. The Declaration commits European governments to enhance global citizenship education and enable individuals to grasp their responsibility in building a better world.
One of the major features of the conference is the launch of the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA). This initiative aims to promote cooperation among governments and various parties involved, forming a foundational base for future projects related to global diaspora engagement. The GDPA will enhance current regional and continental networks, emphasizing the importance of involving diaspora communities in the development of global policies. Its primary areas of focus will include Gender and Youth, Climate Action, and Health and Well-being, all with the overarching aim of speeding up the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event has drawn attention from significant personalities, including H.E. Mr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, and Ms. Amy E. Pope, the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Leading the Kenyan team is Ambassador Hellen Gichuhi, Secretary for Diaspora Welfare and Partnerships, who is standing in for the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Kathure Njogu. The Kenyan group also features members from diaspora organizations and officials from the foreign service. The conference is focused on exploring both the challenges and the opportunities that the global diaspora faces in promoting sustainable development.
The conversations will focus on how to activate the young diaspora to promote social, economic, and environmental transformations, especially looking at how technology and innovation can improve their involvement. Besides launching the GDPA, the conference includes a range of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. These activities allow participants to share effective practices, personal experiences, and strategies for better engaging the diaspora. The event will also highlight successful initiatives from the diaspora that have made important contributions to global development.
