DRAFT PROGRAMME FOR THE DIASPORA SIDE EVENT DATE: 26TH NOVEMBER, 2018 VENUE: TAIFA HALL, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI Contribution of Global Diaspora to Sustainable Blue Economy for National Development and International Solidarity
OVERVIEW The Blue economy envisages growth and sustainable development through investment in the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. These are the highways that bind the world by linking countries and continents through shipping. Additionally, the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers hold many natural resources such as oil and minerals that are increasingly within reach due to advances in technology. More traditionally, the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers have been the source of sustenance for human kind through fishing since the dawn of time. Lastly, the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers provide recreation for human kind. Any threat to oceans, seas, lakes and rivers is therefore a threat to human kind. The challenge before this conference is to develop a framework that allows all these vital activities, the blue economy, to be carried out sustainably in perpetuity. The task of ensuring a sustainable blue economy lends itself into themes that correspond to human activities on oceans, seas, lakes and rivers such as shipping, fishing, oil drilling, aquaculture, irrigation, leisure, desalination, waste management, or catchment management. The success of the blue economy depends on ensuring that the economic, social and cultural activities around each of the themes are mutually reinforcing in preserving the capacity and vitality of the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes. Different groups are called upon to play a role so as to contribute to the achievement of a sustainable blue economy. The Diaspora has a crucial role to play in unleashing the huge potential of the blue economy for socioeconomic transformation TRADITIONALLY, GLOBAL DIASPORA COMMUNITIES HAVE THREE ENTRY POINTS THROUGH WHICH TO INFLUENCE THE POLITICAL ECONOMIES OF THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN: 1The first tier is that of remittances which are by far, the commonest entry point. At their most elementary, remittances are support to families' basic needs. At this level, the contribution to a sustainable blue economy is minimal and indirect. However, the purpose of remittances does grow over time beyond consumption towards trade, investment and capital formation. This is often the precursor to international trade and investment. On this tier, how can the Diaspora contribute to the growth of the blue economy? 2The second tier is that of leveraging on Diaspora networks for exchange and transfer of knowledge, skills and innovations. The Diaspora possesses knowledge and skills that can be harnessed in developing the blue economy at home. Skills and expertise acquired in ocean oil fields overseas, for example, can be invested in ensuring blue economy sustainable development. On this tier, what knowledge, skills and innovations can the Diaspora bring into the development of the blue economy? 3The third tier is that of promoting advocacy in support of blue economy development. Different groups advocate and mobilize resources on behalf of waterways, catchment areas, waste treatment, marine life. However, taken together these efforts do indeed form a lobby for the blue economy and they become the voice of the blue economy. Can diaspora groups be instrumental in spearheading similar advocacy efforts for sustainable blue economy development? The side event will focus on these three Diaspora entry points into the blue economy. It will provide a platform to share and exchange knowledge and ideas on the role of the diaspora in the blue economy development. The output will be a Diaspora Blue Economy Plan of Action that could be considered and adopted by Diaspora stakeholders to enhance the role of the Diaspora for national development and global solidarity. For further details and information, please contact: diaspora@blueeconomyconference.go.ke
TIME ACTIVITY 13.00 14.00hrs Registration 14.00 14.30hrs Welcome Remarks: Prof. Peter Mbithi, VC, Nairobi University Opening Remarks: Amb. Michael Oyugi, Director, Diaspora & Consular Affairs Directorate, MFA Event Introductory Remarks: Dr. Emmanuel Mutisya, National Diaspora Council of Kenya (NADICOK) 14.30 15.30hrs SESSION 1 Enhancing the role of global Diaspora for international solidarity through the blue economy 16.30 18.30hrs Moderator: Dr. Wachira Mwangi 1. H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang' Nyong'o, Governor, Kisumu County 2. Head of Mission, Nigeria/Norway 3. Mr. Amadou Cisse, Ag. Director, African Institute for Remittances (AIR) 4. Diaspora Representative Wrap-up (10 min) Moderator SESSION 2 15.30 16.30 hrs Challenges faced by the Diaspora in support of national and global development Moderator: Dr. Linda Oucho 1. Prof. Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, VC, USIU - Africa 2. Dr. Gibril Fall, Executive Director, Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Forum (ADEPT) 3. Head of Mission, Nigeria/Norway 4. Prof. MS Rajab, VC, Pwani University 16.30 18.30hrs 15.30 16.30 hrs Wrap-up (10 min) Moderator. SESSION 3 Strengthening the role of Diaspora for national and international development the role of international organizations Moderator: Representative, African Development Bank 1. World Bank Diaspora Section 2. Mr. Ahmed El-Basheer, Director, African Union Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO)
TIME ACTIVITY 3. Consul Francis Maynard S. Maleon 4. Mr. Marcellino Ramkishun, IOM, African Capacity Building Centre Wrap-up (10 min) Moderator 17.45 18.00 hrs Synthesis and Concluding Remarks Ÿ University of Nairobi/USIU Ÿ Government Rep Ÿ Diaspora Rep 18.00 - Cocktail Networking Venue: Al Fresco, outside Taifa Hall ORGANIZED BY: Directorate of Diaspora Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs National Diaspora Council of Kenya University of Nairobi United States International University- Africa NADICOK Republic of Kenya NATIONAL DIASPORA COUNCIL OF KENYA
Sustainable Blue Economy Conference Secretariat Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14th Floor, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), P.O Box 30551-00100 NAIROBI, Kenya Tel:+254-203318888 ext 219 Fax+254-20-2240066 Website: www.blueeconomyconference.go.ke Email: blueeconomykenya@mfa.go.ke Facebook: facebook.com/blueeconomy2018 Twitter: @BlueEconomy2018