With its continued concerted effort to maintain strong links and instil interests among those in diaspora about their homeland, the Malawi government is to hold talks with representatives of the Malawi community through the Malawi Diaspora in Europe from 28 to 29 May 2015 in Dublin, Ireland.
The two-day meeting will focus on among other things consultancy on the development of the Malawi’s diaspora policy which is still being drafted. When implemented the policy will help in paving way on how best those in diaspora can help in the social-economic development of Malawi and how the government can best involve them, in its planned projects in various sectors.
A statement released by the workshop facilitators says: ’’ The discussions are designed to scope the insights, interests and issues from the Malawian diaspora to be considered for the diaspora policy. This interactive workshop will provide a platform for diaspora representatives to share their perspectives on diaspora engagement with a view to critically informing the content of the diaspora policy.’’
The Malawi community in Ireland is being represented by the Association of Malawians in Ireland (AMAI) which has several issues on its agendum set to be tabled at the meeting, such as creating an opportunity for diaspora and strengthening dialogue and cooperation, the discussion on dual citizenship/nationality, visions and ways to build sustainable links and networks, attracting investments, expectations on those in diaspora and the Malawi government.
The talks will also explore the possibility of establishing a strong network infrastructure of the Malawian diaspora. ‘’We will explore the possible creation of a Malawian Diaspora Network, to be co-facilitated by Diaspora Affairs Unit and diaspora representatives, to ensure continued participation of Malawian diaspora in the policy dialogue. Furthermore, we will explore how to incorporate further diaspora voices in the policy process.’’
Currently, it is estimated that, nearly half a million Malawians are in diaspora. The consultations will be facilitated by Migration EU Expertise (MIEUX) in conjunction with the Malawi Diaspora in Europe and the Diaspora Affairs Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Malawi. The meeting takes place in Clinton Institute, Belfield House at University College Dublin (UCD).