Dear colleagues,

Some of you working in the diaspora studies might like this webinar on "Diaspora Engagement in Ireland and Beyond: Some Do’s and Do Not’s" coming up this Friday,  April 9 at 3 pm Central European Time (9 am NYC). The speakers are Kingsley Aikins and Martin Russell of The Networking Institute. [see below for the bios/event synopsis]. The event is organized by the Armenian Economic Association as part of Diaspora-for-Development series.

Please register using this link for participation http://aea.am/dfd0421/

The conversation will focus on Ireland’s diaspora engagement model and share insight into how Ireland has emerged as a global leader in diaspora engagement. It will explore the role that Ireland’s diaspora capital has played in Ireland’s development with a specific focus on diplomacy, philanthropy, and investment. Drawing from this story and the work of the speakers in approximately 30 countries in diaspora engagement, the conversation will explore some key factors for success in diaspora engagement. It will also take a refreshing approach to share some insights on what not to do in diaspora engagement by exploring some reasons why diaspora engagement could fail.

Kingsley Aikins is an experienced Diaspora expert with an extensive track record of working with countries, regions, and organizations to help them engage with their Diasporas. Based on over 30 years working in the areas of trade and investment, philanthropy, education, culture, tourism, and sport, he has developed a series of innovative and practical ways and methodologies in which countries can develop their Diaspora Capital. During his time leading the Worldwide Ireland Funds, the organization raised a quarter of a billion from the Irish diaspora to support charities across the island of Ireland.

Martin Russell completed his doctoral studies on Diaspora Strategies at the Clinton Institute (University College Dublin) where his research focused on the role of the Irish diaspora in the Northern Ireland Peace Process specifically looking at diaspora philanthropy, diaspora financial networks, and diaspora politics. He was also a visiting fellow at the United Nations University in Maastricht (UNU-MERIT) and is currently an advisor with The Networking Institute which provides teaching, training, and consultancy on networking, philanthropy & fundraising, and diaspora engagement. He also sits on the Advisory Board of Ireland Reaching Out. Martin has worked on diaspora engagement across Africa, Balkans, Caribbean, Europe, MENA, Pacific, United Kingdom, and the United States for a range of public and private sector clients. He has a wide publication record on the topic, including many diaspora strategies and policies.