The United States celebrates its Diaspora Communities
Published Date: Wednesday, Sep 26, 2012
The Annual Global Diaspora Forum was held on the 25th of July, 2012 in Washington D.C. The Forum, kicked off by The United States Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton, saw the participation of over 450 participants from all around the globe as well as a variety of stakeholders in the development process such as representatives from Diaspora organisations, non-profit organisation, the privste sector and the governments. The Forum’s theme was “Moving Forward by Giving Back” and focussed on how technology can empower and increase diaspora philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and social innovation. Some of the key themes discussed were how diversity would be an asset to the American society, how diaspora communities are a “diplomatic bridge” during times of transition in government and the vitality of diaspora linkages to more effective foreign policy. With a crucial year in the American political scenario at hand, it will be interesting to see how both the Democratic and Republican parties leverage the diaspora communities in the U.S. to garner crucial contribution and votes in the upcoming Presidential elections.