European Union Global Diaspora Facility II (EUDiF II): empowering diaspora for global development

Context

Diaspora communities play an increasingly important role in supporting development in their countries of origin. Many migrants and their descendants contribute to economic growth, education, and social progress. However, partner countries often lack the tools, resources, and capacity to fully engage and maximise the potential of their diaspora.

Globally, the scale of migration continues to rise. As of January 2023, 27.3 million non-EU citizens lived in the European Union, representing 6.1% of the EU population (Eurostat). Yet, despite this contribution, significant gaps remain in policy, engagement frameworks, and coordination.

During its first phase (2019–2024), the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF) mapped diaspora engagement across 110 countries and found that:

• 80 countries had at least one institution dedicated to diaspora engagement.
• Only one in four had adopted a formal diaspora engagement policy.

EUDiF II

Building on these findings, EUDiF II (2024–2027) strengthens partner countries’ capacity to engage diaspora communities effectively, bridging policy gaps and supporting concrete development initiatives.

By supporting diaspora initiatives, EUDiF II creates opportunities for:

• Economic growth and job creation.
• Knowledge and skill transfer in key development sectors.
• Empowerment of diaspora organisations, particularly those promoting gender equality.

Through its global reach and integrated approach, EUDiF II ensures that diaspora engagement is impactful, inclusive, and sustainable. The project supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which highlights the positive role of migrants in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. It is also aligned with the Global Compact on Migration (2018), specifically Objective 19, which focuses on fostering diaspora engagement for development.

Continuity, consolidation and coherence

The EUDiF concept rests on four pillars:

1. Diaspora engagement mapping, research and evidence
2. Empowerment and engagement through capacity building (in partner countries and in the EU) trough Capacity Development Lab (CDL) and Diaspora Professionals 4 Development (DP4D) deployment
3. Outreach, partnership and the annual EU Global Diaspora Forum
4. Diaspora experts’ roster

The second phase, which started in June 2024 and will last for four years, was conceived as based on a 3C approach, entailing continuity of the first phase’s achievements, consolidation of practices and ensuring increased coherence with a wide range of diaspora or government-led initiatives. 

Expected outcomes

The second phase will:

• Deliver up-to-date country factsheets on diaspora engagement.
• Produce focused knowledge products to inform actions and policies in relation to diaspora engagement.
• Directly fund diaspora associations through specific calls for proposals, with a focus on women and girls’ empowerment.
• Support local and central authorities in partner countries to engage more effectively with their respective diaspora both at policy and operational levels.

The project also builds stronger connections between diaspora actors, governments, and EU institutions through dialogue and communication, ensuring a more cohesive and inclusive diaspora-development ecosystem.

Who is involved?

The project is implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), with funding from the European Union. It works in close partnership with diaspora organisations, governments in partner countries, and development stakeholders to create long-lasting change.