The Tunis Workshop Highlights the Role of Diaspora in Driving Investment and Sustainable Development

Tunis, 6 May 2025 - As part of the preparatory process towards the 15th Summit of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), the Government of Tunisia and IOM Tunisia, with support from the Colombian Chair of the GFMD, convened a thematic workshop on “Diaspora Engagement in the Promotion of Investment and Sustainable Development”, organized by the Government of Tunisia and IOM Tunisia. 

The workshop provided a space for dynamic dialogue and exchange of ideas on how diasporas contribute resources, knowledge, and innovative strategies to support sustainable development in both their countries of origin and destination. It was opened by Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti; IOM’s Director General, Ms. Amy Pope; the Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia, Fethi Zouhair Nouri; and the GFMD Chair 2024–2025, Ambassador Gustavo Gallón. The event also brought together 340 participants in person and online, representing governments, development agencies, financial institutions, civil society, academics, the private sector, and diaspora communities.

Speaking at the opening and closing sessions, Ambassador Gustavo Gallón reiterated Colombia’s strong commitment to addressing migration challenges with humility and innovation, while emphasizing the positive contribution of migration to the development of our societies. He underlined the Chairship’s human-rights-based approach and stressed the importance of recognizing migration not as a crime, but as a human right, as well as a fundamental tool for development. 

Echoing the message of Pope Francis, Amb. Gallón called for a just and enlightened vision of migration in which States must “ensure dignified treatment for all people, particularly the poorest and most marginalized, and promote the development of policies that regulate orderly and legal migration.” He emphasized that migration and migrants must be addressed in a spirit of human dignity, with respect for international human rights standards and in accordance with the universal principles and humanitarian values of solidarity, freedom, and fraternity. 

Ambassador Gallón further underlined the vital role of diasporas as agents of change and innovation in both countries of origin and destination. He also stressed the importance of structured diaspora participation in public policymaking, and the need to build partnerships that foster diaspora investment. The conclusions and emerging outcomes from the workshop will contribute to the reflections and discussions of the upcoming 15th GFMD Summit, to be held from 2 to 4 September in the city of Riohacha, in the La Guajira region of Colombia. 

He concluded his intervention by reflecting on La Guajira long-standing history of migration from the Middle East, particularly from Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities. Over the years, these diasporas have shaped the territory, contributing to bring talents and innovation for economic, social, and cultural development. 

In the dedicated session on “Diasporas as Partners and Development Actors”, Ms. Laura Arango, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, presented Colombia’s experience and inspiring practices in engaging its diaspora, contributing to greater resilience and innovation. She highlighted the role of the Colombian diaspora in attracting investment, transferring knowledge, and creating transnational cooperation networks aligned with national public policies. 

Ambassador Gallón concluded by emphasizing that the discussions in Tunis highlighted diaspora engagement not only as an opportunity, but as a strategic necessity. Reaffirming Colombia’s commitment to an open and solutions-oriented Chairship, he invited all stakeholders to continue exchanging innovative practices and to join the 15th GFMD Summit in Riohacha, located in an emblematic region shaped by migration and diaspora engagement for the territory.