Ambika P Adhikari Dr Des AICP LEED AP International Development Consultant CH2M HILL Phoenix AZ USA Sr Sustainability Scientist and Faculty Associate Arizona State University Tempe AZ USA ID: 646137
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National Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Diaspora
Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICP, LEED APInternational Development Consultant CH2M HILL, Phoenix, AZ, USA Sr. Sustainability Scientist, and Faculty Associate Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
Diaspora in Development, Washington DC Nov 2016
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide2
Objective of presentation
Meaning of Diaspora and DevelopmentEmerging concepts on Diaspora’s role in developing native landsView of International Organizations on the topicExamples of Africa and AsiaCase study of Nepali DiasporaAchievements and challenges of the Nepali DiasporaOpportunities and Challenges for Diaspora, globally and nationallySummary
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide3
What is Diaspora
“a group of people who live outside the area in which they had lived for a long time or in which their ancestors lived” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary“The dispersion of any people from their original homeland”- Oxford DictionaryThree main characteristics:Geographic dispersionHomeland orientationMaintenance of identity
Indian Diaspora Strength
Source: Gateway House Indian Council Quoted in Blog Y-Axis
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide4
Some numbers related to Diaspora
240 million people (3% of the population) live outside their land of origin (2015)Global remittances is US $582 billion (2015) (Pew) – outstripped official global aid totalMajor destinations for all migrants – OECD countriesFor Asians – USA, Canada, UK, Australia, JapanMiddle East and North Africa – France, USA, SpainLargest supplier nations – India, China, Philippines, Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria, SomaliaMost educated migrants in OECD countries are from India, UK, Philippines, China and GermanyIn the US, 62 million (20%) of the populations first and second generation diasporas (2012) – largest in any country
Mobility of Scientists
Source: Nature.com 10.17.2012
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide5
What is Development
Includes:Economic development. “Economic Development...is most commonly described as the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of quality of life. Economic development can also be described as a process that influences growth and restructuring of an economy to enhance the economic well being of a community.” – IEDCIncreased businesses and tradeIncrease in investmentsResulting in higher standard of livingSocial developmentEnhanced economic and social indicators
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide6
Emerging views of international organizations on Diaspora
Institutions recognizing the catalytic role of Diaspora: UN system, Migration Policy World Bank, Regional Banks, Academia, Investment Banks, International businessesRemittance-based Economy vs Sustained DevelopmentSolid evidence available for diaspora’s role in development – reducing poverty, transferring skillsGovernments have not cashed on the potential of mobilizing the DiasporaDonor agencies have ignored the blind-spot for a long time, but have begun to appreciate the opportunity
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide7
Why Diaspora is More Effective
“Diasporas can and, in many cases, do play an important role in economic development of countries of origin or ancestry. Beyond sending remittances, they can also promote trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), create businesses and spur entrepreneurship and transfer knower and skills.” – Migration Policy InstituteThey know the culture and ground realityThey have inherent networks inside the native landThey have emotional reason to give back – some guilt of leaving the country and some altruism to one’s own peopleThey have first-hand experience of the social, cultural and infrastructural circumstances in the native land
Source: Caribbean Diaspora in Sc. Tech. and Innovation. CDSTI.org
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide8
Flagship Examples
Taiwan, Korea, Ireland, Israel, China, India, Mexico, PhilippinesKey areas of support:RemittanceTechnology transferInternational business and tradeForeign Direct Investment. NRI invested $500 million 1998-2001Returning Diaspora- 800,000 in China during 2007-2012Creating international network for trade, technology and business
In 2016, top countries receiving remittances were India, China, Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, and Nepal (in terms of the percentage of GDP)Mexico, Mali and Philippines have 10% of their population abroad.
Chinese and Indian Diaspora,
Source: The Economist Nov 19, 2011
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide9
Nepali Diaspora
Economic cloutUS/Canada: 325,000 x $65,000 = $21 billion annual GDP (US and Canada GDP/capita = $56,000/yr – 2015, WB)World wide: 3.5 million x $15,000 = $52.5 billion annual GDPNepal GDP 2015 = US$ 21 billion (World Bank)A very high credit potential of the Diaspora membersRetirement funds = 300,000 x 75,000 = $225 billionNRN remittances = 29% of Nepal’s GDP (2016, WB)
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide10
Experience of Nepali Diaspora
Informal support to Nepal by the Diaspora since several decadesMore than 12% of Nepal’s population lives outside Nepal (excluding in India)In 2003 the Diaspora formed a global organization – NRNAIn 2015 more than 1,500 migrant workers left Nepal each day (BBC) – 600K/yrNRNA has made significant technical, investment and philanthropic support to NepalNRNA is pushing for innovative ways to have more leverage for global investments.
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide11
NRNA Successes
Network of NCCs in 74 countries and growing [my take - World Bank without the money]Registered NRNA Association in Nepal – Non-ProfitMobilization for collective investment in Hydro-powerOpen University Initiative; Nepal Science Foundation, Nepal Library FoundationLarge scale philanthropic activities – several charitable programsSource: NRNA Website. New NRNA President Mr. Shesh Ghale and others (above) and NRNA blood donation program (below).
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide12
Challenges for NRNA
Problems of migrant workers still rampant – 522 died in Qatar only since 2011-13Open University Initiative bill passed in 2016 after languishing in bureaucratic and political labyrinth for six yearsInvestments have only a limited impactHigh expectation of Nepalis of NRNA vs limited product delivery of NRNALimited entry of professionals and academics in the organizational leadershipProblems in financial sustainability of the secretariat
Dr. Pramod Dhakal of NRNA Presenting OUN project. Kathmandu Sep 2011. Nepali workers die in the Qatar (above)
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICP
Deaths in Qatar
2011
2012
2013
Indian
239
237
241
Nepali
162
169
191
Total
401
406
432
Source: ITUCSlide13
Roles for National Diaspora Organizations
Examples from USA: Social organizations e.g., ANA, ANMA, NASeA, and professional organizations e.g., ANMF, ASNEngr, SANN, NANA Can connect with the global Diaspora organization - NRNAPromote socio-cultural issues in adopted landsPerform charity, and help the local Diaspora in settlement and in emergenciesHelp in integration with the local communitiesCultural continuity of second and third generations
ASNEngr meeting in Phoenix 2014,
and ANA logo
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide14
Challenges and Opportunities for Diaspora Generally
Effective role for Diaspora in foreign policy recognized by advanced countriesIn China alone, in 2015, more than 410,000 students who studied outside have returned.Considered diplomatic bridgeLeverage them as assets by both sidesNew market creation – investments in rich countriesE.g. African themselves are largest donors to AfricaGovernments too slow to mobilize diaspora – ministries for diaspora needed
Source: The Himalayan Times
Nepali Diaspora in Hong Kong raising funds for Nepal’s earthquake victims
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide15
Examples of best practices and Innovation
India’s Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA)Ministry of Malians AbroadInstitute for Mexicans Abroad (IME)Non-resident Nepalis Association (NRNA)Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – PhilippinesMinistry of Expatriate Affairs, YemenFoundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide16
Some Recommendations
Diaspora Associations to be strengthened, and made sustainable to help the Diaspora in developmentHome countries to establish research and mobilization services for DiasporaHost countries to take due note on the value of Diaspora in their midstWin-win programs to be developed where sentiments, emotions, intimate knowledge of the home turf and need for development convergeSometimes it is just connecting the dots to get a better pictureEconomic Diplomacy
Approaching donors to promote Diaspora’s involvement in native countries as consultantsTOKTEN revival?Establishing institutions and Foundations in country and abroad for Diaspora welfareExample: Gorkha welfare council in India
Self-sustaining organizations
Councils that can promote and support the Diasporas
Native governments and societies aware of the opportunities with the Diaspora to be explored.
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide17
Conclusions
Diaspora’s role is being increasingly recognizedLarge and organized Diaspora can help uplift native lands. Potential underutilized so far by all countriesNeed to think beyond remittanceNepal’s example has mixed successes/failuresDiasporas posses inherent advantages as development catalysts for native landsThey are also important resources for adopted countriesThey can help in diplomacy, business and investment for both sides
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPSlide18
Thank you.
Questions and DiscussionsContact:Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICPPhoenix, AZ, USAAmbika@alum.mit.edu
NRNA Open University Delegation meeting with Nepali PM Dr. Bhattarai in Kathmandu, October 2011
Presentation by Ambika P. Adhikari, Dr. Des., AICP