WebinarsIn preparation for the International Forum on Migration Statistics, a series of virtual webinars open to all interested parties was held. The first took place on 8 December 2022, and the second one on 11 January 2023.
The webinars aimed at starting to bring together the international statistical community on migration and foster exchange with different stakeholders on key migration data developments in the lead up to the main event in Santiago de Chile in January 2023.
Diasporas are development actors with economic, social, cultural and human capital. They contribute to their countries of origin and destination through transnational links and initiatives. Nevertheless, there are many gaps in data on the size and profile of diaspora communities as well as their contributions. The aim of this session was to present the two innovative methodologies developed by IOM to contribute to a better understanding and systematization of diasporas’ capital and potential for development: The IOM Diaspora Mapping Toolkit and Contributions and Counting.
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The panel hosted experts in diaspora engagement and Diaspora Mapping to showcase methods in migration data development. The first panel addressed issues on Maximizing data collection in diaspora mapping exercises. Organizations spoke on how many diasporas are social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, corporate CEOs but that there are less privileged diasporas who need support and assistance. Thus, standardized data collection tools and a multi-stakeholder approach are important to strengthen the conditions of diasporas.
Speakers highlighted that diaspora mapping and engagement are critical approaches due to rising human migration, the possibilities of remaining in contact with diasporas, and evolving demographics. The key agreement during the webinar was the commitment to support data collection, and data expansion, as well as the reinforcement of collaborations with other actors to capture information to map diasporas and improve diaspora development in the future.
During the event, the IOM launched the Diaspora Mapping Toolkit Online Course. The course is free and is available to everyone including Diaspora Organizations, government officials, and professionals interested in diaspora mapping.
Find more details of the event here.
The webinar presented data initiatives which demonstrate the different ways of using existing data collection systems and the conduct of a special survey during the pandemic to know the conditions of migrants, and to inform policies and programs aimed at supporting and enabling migrants. The presentations will discuss the background of these data initiatives, information and insights about migrants and their families, potentials for further analysis, and proposals for improving and strengthening these data systems.
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