Marking the Completion of the D4C Project: Strengthening Diaspora Engagement in Climate Action

After more than two years of close collaboration with national governments and diaspora communities, it is time to reflect on the many achievements of the Diaspora for Climate Action (D4C) project. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the United Kingdom launched the project to connect diaspora members in the UK with national governments and other key stakeholders in Bangladesh, Ghana, Jamaica and Moldova, with the aim of strengthening transnational partnerships for climate action. 

Throughout its implementation, IOM promoted diaspora engagement at global and national climate forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Conference of the Parties (COP). More than 30 government officials across ministries and departments were introduced to the potential of diaspora involvement in addressing climate change. 16 diaspora members were trained as Diaspora Climate Champions, andjointly developed eight climate action plans targeting key priorities in their countries of heritage. These plans were shared with national governments for potential implementation. 

To support evidence-based programming, D4C conducted multi-country research that examined the opportunities and challenges of diaspora engagement in climate action. The findings will support IOM’s missions and governments in designing future initiatives and engaging partners and donors. A tailored training package was also developed, focusing on terminologies and frameworks related to climate change, and skills including leadership, communications and resource mobilisation. 

Through seed funding and increased visibility, the project supported local initiatives in each of the four countries. In Moldova, IOM co-funded two climate action projects jointly with  government, diaspora and local authorities. In Ghana, four small and medium-sized green businesses received micro-grants for their collaboration with diaspora partners in advancing national climate action priorities. In Jamaica, a new climate-focused module was added to the JaDEM platform to enhance diaspora communication and engagement. In Bangladesh, an online platform and related promotional campaign were created to connect diaspora members with national and local stakeholders for collaborative climate solutions. 

These efforts helped elevate diaspora voices in climate policy and programmatic discussions, and raised government awareness of diaspora’s long-term potential to contribute to climate action through expertise, investments, advocacy and technological innovations.

D4C fostered new partnerships, provided a safe space for dialogue, and enabled participating governments to bring diaspora engagement into cross-ministerial conversations and future programming.

Overall, D4C offered a replicable model for engaging diaspora communities in climate action. It contributed to a positive narrative around migration and demonstrated the value of transnational connections in addressing global challenges. IOM, through its country missions, will continue to support governments and diaspora members by sharing the tools, knowledge, and practices developed under D4C to promote replication and learning globally.

 The concluding event with Diaspora Climate Champions took place on 2 April. it was an opportunity to celebrate the D4C project's achievements and reflect on the way forward. IOM UK will continue to engage the Diaspora Climate Champions and the broader diaspora in future activities and through opportunities to contribute.

DIASPORA VOICES MUST BE HEARD – Visit the virtual D4C exhibition