Panel V

Migration and development: the role of migrants in sub-national development cooperation
(simultaneous translation: German, English, French)

The transnational activities of migrants in the diaspora have moved to the forefront of the international debate on globalisation, migration and development. The substantial financial resources of migrants, which in many countries often exceed official development aid, have received a tremendous amount of attention in this context. The non-material contributions of migrants in the form of, for instance, intellectual capital, new technological skills, and innovative business and trade practices, are also of tremendous relevance. Against this backdrop, a growing number of policy initiatives and migrant networks strives to improve the positive impact of migration on development. The social, economic and political impact of human mobility and migration, however, is often felt most immediately in the local context.

The aim of the panel was to explore the many ways in which the transnational activities of migrants in the diaspora impact the global dynamics of migration and development. It also aimed to gain a greater understanding of the influence and the potential that policies at the sub-national level in host countries and in countries of origin have on this issue.

• What is the potential of development partnerships in the field of migration and development at the local level?
• What are recent initiatives aimed at improving the contribution of migrant groups in the migration and development nexus?
• How is the socio-economic integration of migrants in residence countries linked to their capacity for transnational engagement?
• What are some of the challenges to cooperation between diaspora groups, development NGOs and local authorities?

Discussion

Mariama Awumbila
Head of Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana
Titilola Banjoko
Director of AfricaRecruit/Findajobinafrica.com, United Kingdom
Armin Laschet
Minister for Intergenerational Affairs, Family, Women and Integration of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Leila Rispens-Noel
International Alternative Financial Institution (INAFI), Senegal
Peter von Bethlenfalvy
Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Germany


Chair:
Peter Croll
Director, Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC)

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