Preface, Dr Allam Ahmed
Dr Allam Ahmed
University of Sussex
United Kingdom
It has long been argued that Diasporas will be most interested in contributing to sustainable development (SD) efforts when they have a sense of belonging in relation to their country of origin. Therefore it is very important to establish trust between Diasporas and governments in the country of origin. In doing so, governments need to invest in identifying their Diasporas abroad and in understanding their skills and interests. Sustainable development is a multidisciplinary process that requires the integrative engagement of all disciplines and stakeholders. Therefore, collaboration between the Diaspora and those working within the country of origin offers several opportunities and contributes to increase productivity towards sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based growth. Building constructive relationships between the Diasporas and countries of origin require that Diasporas be treated not as a mere resource, but as partners and investors with mutual benefits.
Many sustainability problems can only be tackled by connecting the diaspora with those working within the country of origin, for example combating the results of climate change, diseases such as malaria, reservation of natural resources, fighting land degradation or limiting the loss of biodiversity and many other problems. Moreover, knowledge or evidence-based policymaking is indispensable if gaps in living standards are to be narrowed. Therefore, building capacity in country of origin is necessary for competing in the global arena and there it is critical to turn the Diaspora into a positive tool for SD as well as serving as role models for the youth in the country of origin.
This book include contributions by international experts and high level Diaspora from the public and private sectors on the critical role of Diaspora towards sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based growth in the country of origin to ensure countries of origin are benefiting from their Diaspora and competing at the forefront of science, technology and innovation (STI). In doing so the book will discuss how relevant Diaspora groups could be involved in the development and review of policies that impact on them or their country of origin. They are consulted with regard to the objectives and desired outcomes of the policy, and the best means of achieving them.
Citation: Ahmed, A. (2015): Preface. In Ahmed, A. (Ed.): The Critical Role of Diaspora in International Scientific Cooperation with the Country of Origin, Vol. 3, pp. vii-ix. WASD: Brighton, United Kingdom.
