Panels

Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) can be distinguished from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by the notions of social embeddedness and an intensity of community affect inherent in returning migrants. Returning migrants not only have the financial incentives of a typical foreign investor but have the social aspects and knowledge of the local business environment and investment possibilities as well as an ethnic advantage.

Haitians in the Diaspora and in Ayiti possess an entrepreneurial spirit that has helped to sustain them globally. During this fourth edition of the National Association of Haitian Professionals' conference this panel, Successful Haitian Entrepreneurs, will go in depth on specific strategies and tactics that have propelled prominent Haitian entrepreneurs.

This conversation will focus on how the diaspora can contribute to a stronger education system in Haiti. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Haiti and the Haitian education system is not preparing its students to tackle the issues of the 21st Century. However, the Haitian diaspora has a strong pool of professionals who can contribute in addressing the education crisis in Haiti. Today, the sentiment is that the international community is the one setting the agenda on those issues while Haitians should be the ones at the table leading the conversation. How can the diaspora lead on those issues side by side with our fellow citizens in Haiti? What is the role of advocacy in addressing this issue? Who are the key agencies/institutions that should be targeted to create change in the system? What policy changes are needed to allow for greater involvement of the diaspora in the country?

Dominicans of Haitian descent have suffered institutional discrimination in the DR for decades. One of the most egregious manifestations of this discrimination is the government’s refusal to recognize their nationality and provide them with identity documents, most importantly birth certificates and cédulas (national ID cards), in violation of both international and national law.

When analyzing the political scene in Haiti, one can be overwhelmed by the situation and conclude that the country could never change. Is this a true statement? If there is hope, what needs to happen? How to reverse the tide of negativity? What is the role the diaspora and Haitians living in the country? Should the diaspora get more involved in the politics of the country? The panel conversation will follow this outline:

This session aims to provide delegates an opportunity to gain insight and join discussions about the obligations, obstacles and opportunities for the Diaspora Haitian Woman in development of Haiti. It is hoped that this panel can provide an avenue for understanding and paving a way for Haitian women, including those in the Diaspora, to play an integral part in the economic development of Haiti.