Role of Diaspora Communities: Economic Development in MENA

The Middle East and North Africa Workforce Development Initiative hosted members of business councils, diaspora associations, and entrepreneurs to discuss the special role diasporas play in developing the economy of their countries of origin. A diversity of organizations representing various nationalities and business interests were in attendance. The MENA-WDI team presented the main objectives and inferences of their study to illicit more nuanced perspective from those who work in the unique space between the US and their native land. Among the contributions from the group were the need to improve access for small and medium sized businesses to the US, improve the recognition of tertiary credentials, and need to consistently and sympathetically engage the diaspora and homeland. Many more thoughts and observations were shared in this fruitful discussion.