GDWEEK SIDE ACTIVITIES
January 21 -27, 2025
Zoom -Registration form below
Who can attend: Diaspora organizations, partners, stakeholders, and all interested in the Diaspora Sector
The 4th Global Diaspora Week (GDWeek) scheduled from 21st till 27th of January, 2025 serves as a key platform for raising awareness and celebrating the invaluable contributions of diaspora organizations worldwide. Throughout GDWeek, Diaspora Organizations including GDC Members and Diaspora Supportive Organizations are encouraged to organize their Side Activities tailored to supporting the wellbeing of their diaspora communities including capacity-building activities (under GDAcademy Initiative).
This year, 4th GDWeek welcomes applications to Side Activities that are not only event-based but all ranges that are diaspora supportive organized by diaspora organizations and partners.
We would love to be inspired by your activities too. If you wish to organize your Side Activities during GDWeek, please apply below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
OPENING CEREMONY
January 21, 2025
Pre-recorded video
To mark the opening of the 4th Global Diaspora Week, a pre-recorded video by the GDC Board and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcoming attendees to the weeklong GDWeek activities will be featured on all GDC social media platforms, offering an overview of what attendees should expect, while igniting the energy and enthusiasm needed to make this GDWeek a milestone event in global diaspora engagement.
ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN MEETING
2pm GMT
Zoom -Registration form below
January 24, 2025
Who can attend: Diaspora organizations, partners, stakeholders, Humanitarian Actors, and all interested in humanitarian
assistance
Supported by: Supported by: International Organization for Migration (IOM), Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Diaspora Emergency Action and Coordination (DEMAC)
The 4th Annual Humanitarian Meeting is themed "Global Diaspora, Local Impact: Advancing Systematic Approaches in Diaspora Humanitarian Efforts"​​ This online session organized by the Global Diaspora Confederation (GDC) will provide participants with insights and real-world examples of Diaspora Organizations' (DOs) localization efforts. This year, through the Global Panel on Local Impact, the event will emphasize the critical role that diaspora organizations play in driving sustainable, localized change.
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This session will also explore the importance of cultivating an ecosystem that coordinates and strengthens diaspora organizations, linking these efforts to the Global Framework for Diaspora Engagement in Humanitarian Assistance. By fostering a supportive network of partnerships, resources, and knowledge-sharing, the ecosystem empowers DOs to implement community-specific solutions that are both sustainable and scalable. Local impact, therefore, is not only a result of the direct actions of diaspora organizations but also of the broader coordination that enables them to thrive. This interconnected approach highlights the transformative potential of aligning localized efforts with global frameworks to drive more cohesive, efficient, and impactful humanitarian and development outcomes.
4th GLOBAL DIASPORA ASSEMBLY
January 27, 2025
2pm GMT
Zoom -Registration form below
Who can attend: Diaspora organizations, partners, stakeholders, and all interested in the Diaspora Sector
The 4th GDAssembly will bring together diaspora leaders and organizations to convene, represent, advocate and advance for their diaspora communities across the world, sharing insights, strategies and key outcomes of GDWeek to empower diaspora organizations for greater local impact and global development.
Highlights include a global panel sharing inspiration and aspirations on building the ecosystem for a stronger coordination of the global diaspora organization sector, along with our developing initiative ‘Young Diaspora Summit (YDS)’ as a collective opportunity to globally amplify young diasporas’ voices. We will also be promoting the “GDExpo” initiative, and launch of the “GDTree”, a symbol of hope and collaboration marking a shared commitment to fostering a brighter, more connected future for diaspora communities worldwide.
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The GDAssembly will mark the official closing of GDWeek, with remarks from Ms. Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations IOM setting the stage for ongoing collective action to drive meaningful change worldwide.
GLOBAL DIASPORA VOICES ON PARTNERSHIPS
January 22 - 24, 2025
Host on GDWeek Website and Linkedin
Over the course of three days during the 4th Global Diaspora Week, highlights from last year's GDForum will be digitally showcased across all Global Diaspora Confederation (GDC) platforms – social media, newsletter, and website, offering a unique opportunity to revisit key moments and discussions. These excerpts will shine a spotlight on the significant contributions and impact of diaspora partnerships, illustrating how these collaborations are driving progress in humanitarian and development efforts globally. For participants from last year’s GDForum, this will be a reflective moment to look back on the meaningful connections made and the collective impact achieved. For those who were unable to attend, this digital showcase will serve as a powerful reminder of the value and importance of these dialogues, sparking curiosity and motivating them to participate in this year’s event.
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GLOBAL DIASPORA ACADEMY
January 21 -27, 2025
Zoom -Registration form below
Who can attend: Diaspora organizations, partners, stakeholders, and all interested in the Diaspora Sector
4th GDWeek will be seeing three featured activities organized by GDC partners in support to the Global Diaspora Academy (GDAcademy) initiative, which is committed to facilitating the exchange of knowledge among diaspora organizations, with the goals of empowering them to further empower their diaspora communities.
Registration for the virtual events below will be opened soon
An introduction to The Diaspora Organization Trainings Trove (DOTT)
Organizer: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 90 minutes between 2pm – 3.30pm GMT (3pm -4:30pm CET)
Trainers: Melis Ozbardackci, Leon Isaacs and Roberto Cancel
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An introduction to The Diaspora Organization Trainings Trove (DOTT), an innovative, interactive resource designed to empower diaspora organizations worldwide in achieving their goals and maximizing impact. https://publications.iom.int/books/join-dott-diaspora-organization-trainings-trove. This session will focus on Organizational Development and Diaspora Networking, Communications and Partnerships.
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How to Provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) across Borders
Organizer: Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Date: To be confirmed
Time: To be confirmed - 90 minutes between 9am and 1pm GMT (10am -2pm CET)
Host: Avin Mesbah, Capacity Development Specialist (DRC Diaspora Programme).
Facilitator: Hussain Jafari
Conflicts and humanitarian crises have a profound impact on mental health and well-being, leaving millions in need of support. In these contexts, where access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) is often limited, diaspora communities play a critical role in offering remote Psychological First Aid (PFA) to family, friends, and broader networks in their countries of heritage.
The Danish Refugee Council’s Diaspora Programme acknowledges and builds on these efforts by inviting you to a learning session, where you will:
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Learn about key MHPSS concepts.
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Learn the importance of self-care in effectively supporting others.
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Discover practical tools and techniques for providing PFA in culturally sensitive contexts.
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Introduction to the Cycle of Volunteer Management
Organizer: DEMAC
Date: To be confirmed
Time: To be confirmed - 90 minutes between 9am and 1pm GMT (10am - 2pm CET)
Host: Avin Mesbah, Capacity Development Specialist (DRC Diaspora Programme).
Facilitator: Nataliia Kalantaienko,
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Volunteers are essential to driving change across various fields, from humanitarian response to resettlement efforts to climate action and beyond. As smaller volunteer-based initiatives expand, effective volunteer management becomes critical. This session introduces the Volunteer Management Cycle and provides essential tools to recruit, organize, and retain volunteers, fostering sustainable, long-term impact.
The Danish Refugee Council’s Diaspora Programme and the Ukrainian Volunteer Service invite you to a 90-minute session, where you will:
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Gain insights into the Volunteer Management Cycle and its applications.
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Strengthen your knowledge of effective strategies for recruiting, onboarding, and motivating volunteers.
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Explore engagement techniques to cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging among volunteers