The diaspora are actively engaged in the country’s (Ethiopia) development in skill, knowledge and technology transfer, as well as investment and making remittance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Engagement Directorate General Tuesday briefed 40 2nd generation Ethiopian Diaspora youth from the United States of America.
Organized with the theme: ‘The Ethiopian Discussion Table,’ the discussion covered diaspora policy, engagement principle, role of diaspora, diaspora engagement goals and institutional setups.
Director General Demeke Atnafu said members of the diaspora communities serve as both political and socio-economic capital to their countries of origin.
Those who gained citizenship other than their countries of origin are now representing their respective countries in the executive and parliaments of hosting countries.
He said the diaspora are actively engaged in the country’s development in skill, knowledge and technology transfer, as well as investment and making remittance.
“Policies and measures on diaspora are being implemented to reverse brain drain to brain gain,” he added.
The Director General said diaspora policies and strategies are put in place, and institutional arrangements are made as well as focal persons in missions abroad and key sector institutions have already been assigned.
Stressing the importance of creating emotional attachment, Demeke anounced a new initiative called “Now Ethiopian”.
The initiative, according the Director General, aims at bringing young diasporas to Ethiopia for a one-month comprehensive visit with a view to making them ambassadors of their country, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
