NAAHP Hosts Conference on Diaspora Engagement in Haiti

For immediate release
August 12, 2013

Contact: Mr. Edwyn Macelus, Esq
Phone: 1-877-627-6247

New York, NY – The National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals, the Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation, and the Haiti Research Policy Program of the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development at the Earth Institute of Columbia University have partnered for a conference on Haitian Diaspora Engagement and Innovation at the University on November 1-2, 2013.

The conference will provide diaspora groups and individuals an opportunity to identify practical ways forward to strengthening the mechanisms and methods for engagement and strengthen the capacity of the diaspora networks. The conference will focus on the models, mechanisms and methods for diaspora engagement, ranging from how to coordinate investment, utilize web 2.0 technologies and encourage skill development and volunteerism between diaspora and Haitian companies.

“This past spring, the Global Diaspora Forum held a dialogue on the four D’s that all Diaspora communities face: Disorganization, Dispersal, Disparateness and Distrustfulness. This Fall of 2013, the NAAHP aims to confront the challenges of four Ds by putting emphasis on the three Ms: Models, Methods, and Mechanisms of Diaspora Engagement for mutual development. Networking and holding workshops on opportunities for leveraging Haitian diaspora knowledge, skills, and resources rather than on challenges will prove ever more rewarding,” said Dr. Tatiana Wah, Director of the Haiti Research and Policy Program, Earth Institute at Columbia University.

The development community and business worlds have moved Diaspora engagement from the periphery to the mainstream, however, few, if any, practical mechanisms exist through which ‘projects back home’ and members of the Diaspora could easily identify areas of mutual benefit and interact with each other until now. NAAHP and JDT will work to address this gap. Hundreds of Haitian and Haitian-American professionals are expected to attend the Conference themed, “Models, Methods, and Mechanisms for Diaspora Engagement in Haiti: Leveraging knowledge, skills and resources for Mutual Economic Development.”

“There is a growing recognition of the substantial benefits that Diaspora populations can bring to development efforts in Haiti, not just as senders of remittances but also as sources of direct and indirect investments. Yet few practical mechanisms exist through which projects “back home” and the Diaspora can identify areas of mutual interest and benefit. This is at a time when Haiti is transforming at a rapid rate with greater political stability and prospects for long-term sustainable economic and social development. NAHP and JDT seek to actively explore effective institution building and concrete steps to bridge mainstream development and investment efforts with Diaspora groups.” said Dr. Marjorie Pierre Brennan, Founder and Executive Director of The Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation and Chair of the Advisory Board of the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP).

The two-day event will build on the topics addressed during last year’s inaugural conference which included investment opportunities and the education system in Haiti. This year’s conference will focus on how to engage the Haitian Diaspora in the future academic, economic, cultural, and social development of Haiti. Participants will hear from distinguished panelists who will lead the open discussion on how Haitians, in the U.S. and abroad, can become more involved in rebuilding a nation that has experienced many setbacks but continues to propel itself forward.

“The Haitian Diaspora represents a significant asset which can transform Haiti’s economic fortunes. As important as remittances are, the Haitian diaspora population is untapped human capital, underutilized as a source of investment, support and human capital, and a resource for advocacy and political pressure. Hence, it is important for both the Haitian Diaspora and the Haitian Government to establish structures of formal cooperation where mechanisms exist to facilitate the Haitian diaspora engagement in development of Haiti.” said Mr. Serge Renaud, Chair of the Board of the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP).

For more information, or to RSVP, visit www.conference.naahpusa.org

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The Haiti Research and Policy Program – Earth Institute at Columbia University
The Earth Institute has been active in Haiti since 2006, with a commitment to designing, advising and demonstrating science-based methods to achieve sustainable development at the national and local scale.
www.cgsd.columbia.edu/haiti

The Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation
The Joseph Denis Thomas Foundation provides higher education opportunities to young Haitian nationals in agriculture, forestry, medicine, and engineering.
http://jdtfoundation.org/about-us/about-joseph-denis-thomas

The National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals (NAAHP)
The NAAHP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2011 to prepare Haitian Professionals for leadership positions, increase the number of successful Haitians in the diverse business community, and engage the Haitian Diaspora in development.
https://naahpusa.org/