Research Report on Diaspora Engagement Strategies

Details

Mission and objectives

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. On September 21, 1971, the Royal Government of Bhutan became the 128th member of the United Nations. The Office of the United Nations in Bhutan was established in early 1974. Since then, the country has been home to many UN agencies, funds and programmes that together support the Government in delivering national development needs and improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of Bhutan. The United Nations Resident Coordinator Office supports the work of the UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Resident Coordinator leads the UN country team in consultations with the Government to define and agree on the UN strategic response to the Government’s development priorities. This response is captured in the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) or United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Context

This assignment is part of the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Bhutan's efforts to enhance the evidence and knowledge-base upon which policy decisions are made, with a view to supporting the successful fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Bhutan. To that end, the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Bhutan intends to seek the support from Online Volunteers with qualified expertise and experience specifically to conduct desk-research on strategies for engaging diaspora.

Task description

Under this online assignment, Online Volunteers will be assigned to prepare a short report (10 pages maximum) that provides an overview of international examples of how countries are engaging their diaspora abroad to contribute to and participate in sustainable development. This includes the use of initiatives to encourage remittances, diaspora engagement strategies, diaspora financing mechanisms, e.g. diaspora bonds, and initiatives to encourage diaspora to return to their country of origin. The report will include best practice examples and lessons learned, particularly in the context of small countries (population wise), who are experiencing high rates of outward migration. The report would also need to be accompanied by a one-page info-graphic / fact sheet that would summarise the findings and recommendations.