IdEA: International Diaspora Engagement Alliance

Last week I attended the Global Diaspora Forum at the State Department hosted by Secretary Hillary Clinton. With people of over 70 countries, the global diaspora alliance summit served as stage for ideas and debate in able for diaspora communities to help their home countries. The US-Mexico Foundation (where I am interning this summer) was invited and our CEO Martha Smith took the stage and explain the challenges Mexico is facing and how diaspora communities can help overcome this challenges. Being the largest diaspora in the country, our Mexican-American Leadership Initiative (MALI) was set as an example among other communities. It was very interesting to see the rich diversity this country has. Diasporas from all over the world were present American citizens descendant from China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Australia, Israeli-Jewish, Germany, Ireland and dozens of other countries. This gathering challenged diaspora communities to forge partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and public institutions in order to make their engagements with their countries of ancestry. 

The event was very eye opening, most of the topics mentioned revolved around the Arab spring and the challenges the Middle East face today. Countries like Syria are currently under big political stress for a rising revolution. Other countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya have diasporas that are deeply concerned about their future development and the role of the US in it. Another hot topic was the Israeli-Iran tension. The Jewish diaspora is one of the most influential diaspora groups in the country. They play a big role in politics, particularly with Israel. A wide range of issues were discussed and it was an amazing experience being able to hear from academics, politicians, and leaders from all over the world communicating to help their countries of origin. 

This diaspora summit is a great evidence of how diversity from all over the world has shaped the United States and its values throughout time and makes it the great country it is today.

Luis T