The HIHFAD Country Director's Participation in the EU Humanitarian Forum: Delivering Better Together – Diaspora Actors and The Humanitarian Ecosystem

Research on and engagement with diasporas has shown that diaspora organizations are multi-sectoral, fast responding actors who work transnationally, supporting their countries of origin. Having a connection and understanding of their country of origin or heritage and local context plays a vital role in humanitarian assistance where diaspora organizations often are part of the first response in the aftermath of a disaster.

They are also key actors when it comes to raising the alarm in times of crisis. Supporting diaspora as part of a broader humanitarian ecosystem play a key role in humanitarian responses and contributes to a better delivery by increasing the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of humanitarian responses. This talk will present the key findings and lessons learned from DEMAC case studies and real-time reviews of diaspora humanitarianism: who are diaspora humanitarian organizations? and what are key added values of diaspora actors and their humanitarian responses?

Within his speech, Mr. Fadi Al-Diri (The HIHFAD CD) was discussed the challenges that diaspora organizations face in terms of interaction with the communities they belong to and how they use social media platforms to communicate with them. However, he highlighted the vast needs and the difficulties of meeting every people’s requirements which is coincides with shifts in donor priorities and interests. “We aim to influence this by obtaining particular demands via private contributions and highlighting the importance of satisfying urgent needs while striking a balance between development and emergency response,” he said.

Watch the full session by clicking on the image below!