PROGRAMS
about the program
Advocacy and diplomacy are essential tools in empowering diaspora communities, especially in addressing social issues and ensuring the effective implementation of legislation that impacts their rights. Germin actively engages in these efforts, using various initiatives to foster stronger connections between the diaspora and local stakeholders, such as NGOs and governmental institutions.
One of Germin’s flagship projects within this program is Leveraging Diaspora for Policy Development, which aims to integrate the diaspora’s contribution into policy-making and policy-drafting processes. Germin aims to advocate for the amplification of diaspora voices through the direct involvement of the diaspora in policy creation and feedback processes, using new technologies available for this purpose.
Germin’s Diaspora Flet Conference creates a unique platform for diaspora members to express their opinions and contribute to envisioning the diaspora’s role in the coming decades. This conference gathers diverse voices, fostering dialogue and collaboration across borders.
Another project is – Youth Regional Fellowship and Exchanges, funded by the Western Balkan Fund, which GERMIN implemented in partnership with six fellows from North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo who conducted research projects on various migration and development-related topics. Germin also partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to investigate the effect of inflation on remittances flowing from the diaspora to Kosovo.
Since 2017, Germin has monitored national elections in Kosova, focusing on the diaspora voting process, and has consistently advocated for providing the best conditions for voting rights and enhanced representation of the diaspora in their homeland.
Through these projects, Germin demonstrates the power of advocacy and diplomacy in driving positive change, engaging diaspora communities as active citizens who influence both their countries of origin and their new homes.
within the Program
Driving impactful initiatives to connect, engage, and empower the diaspora.
The “Diaspora Flet” conference serves as a platform to connect Albanian diaspora members with their countries of origin, empowering them to voice their opinions and shape their future roles. Bringing together professionals, businesses, activists, and leaders from over 26 countries, the conference reflects two decades of diaspora engagement and envisions its future contributions.
Objective:
To strengthen the connection between the Albanian diaspora and their home countries by fostering dialogue, promoting engagement, and encouraging impactful contributions to national development.
Goals:
The Diaspora Flet editions were organized in partnership with the Global Albanians Foundation and supported by contributions from diverse stakeholders.
Organizatatshqiptare.org is an interactive platform and comprehensive database that connects formal and informal Albanian organizations, associations, and groups worldwide. With 270 registered entities from 30 countries, the platform fosters collaboration and visibility within the global Albanian community.
Goals:
In April 2022, GERMIN partnered with the Western Balkans Fund under the EU IPA program to implement the project “Enhancing Regional Cooperation of Young Researchers on Migration & Development.”
This initiative aimed to strengthen regional collaboration by providing young researchers access to migration think tanks’ research infrastructures, data, and mentorship from GERMIN and partners in North Macedonia and Montenegro.
Objectives:
Funded by:
Western Balkans Fund (co-funded by the European Union through IPA).
For Albania and Kosovo, engaging the diaspora in political processes serves as a crucial bridge to maintain ties with citizens abroad. For diaspora members, voting strengthens their sense of national belonging and ethnic identity.
Among various forms of engagement, political participation stands out as one of the most impactful ways for the diaspora to contribute to their home country. Providing avenues for diaspora voting not only amplifies their voice but also reflects the State’s commitment to equality for all citizens, regardless of their location.
Goals:
KosovoDiaspora.org (KD) is a dynamic crowdsourcing digital engagement and diplomacy platform that bridges Kosovars with the world and connects the world back to Kosovars. Utilizing social and online media, KD highlights and celebrates the achievements of individuals, groups, and organizations linked to Kosovo while nurturing ties between Kosovo and its diaspora community.
The platform recognizes the diaspora as a significant asset for Kosovo. Living abroad, diaspora members possess the passion, financial resources, extensive networks, and a unique understanding of both Kosovo’s culture and the cultures of their host countries. This dual perspective positions them as natural ambassadors, fostering relationships and promoting Kosovo globally.
Established in 2012 as a non-governmental and independent initiative, KD originated from the study “Beyond Remittances: Public Diplomacy and Kosovo’s Diaspora” by its founders, Behar Xharra and Martin Waehlisch.
Goals
In collaboration with UNDP, GERMIN conducted research to explore the impact of inflation and the war in Ukraine on remittance flows from the Kosovo diaspora.
This study aligned with GERMIN’s mission to employ empirical data and scientific analysis for a nuanced understanding of diaspora-related challenges.
Objectives:
Key Activities:
Donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Kosovo
Managed by: Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF)
Short Description:
The SDDR initiative facilitates collaboration between Kosovo institutions and diaspora communities through modern technologies and collective advocacy. By creating platforms for two-way communication, GERMIN has strengthened diaspora engagement in public policy, with a focus on voting rights, administrative reforms, and social inclusion. The initiative has empowered diaspora communities to influence national policies and ensured their voices are represented in decision-making processes.
Objectives:
Key Activities:
Key Achievements:
latest
GERMIN publishes a new policy brief exploring the role and contributions of Albanian women in the diaspora, the challenges they
Germin is a non-governmental organization whose core principles and ideals are based on the belief that the Albanian diaspora must play an extensive and proactive role in the positive development of all countries in the Balkans where Albanians live.
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