Many Partos members and diaspora organisations recognise the value of collaboration, but in practice it is not always easy to find the right organisations, networks, or people. This was one reason for organising this session. The session brought together diaspora organisations and Partos members and partners to get to know each other, exchange experiences, and explore what it takes to build stronger, more equal forms of collaboration. Rather than starting with predetermined next steps, the session created space to openly discuss needs, challenges and opportunities, and to consider what concrete steps could follow.
Exploring the needs of diaspora organisations and Partos members
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need to better understand each other. For Partos members, this means learning more about how diaspora organisations and communities are organised, getting to know relevant organisations and networks, and building sustainable relationships. Participants also wanted to learn from organisations with experience working with communities and to use them as a sounding board for organisations developing their own approaches. Participants expressed a need for more insight into diaspora engagement and giving. For example, there is interest in understanding how diaspora communities support initiatives, whether through families, communities, churches, local NGOs or international organisations, and what existing research and data can tell us about these contributions.
For diaspora organisations, the need to connect with established networks was equally clear. Access to funding opportunities, policy discussions, training and relevant contacts can help diaspora organisations further expand their work and strengthen their organisational capacity. At the same time, diaspora organisations want to be recognised as professional partners with an equivalent role in projects, rather than being seen only as organisations that can provide access to communities or countries. Professionalisation remains a challenge for some organisations due to capacity needs.
The opportunities in front of us
The discussion also highlighted opportunities to work together in practical ways. Participants mentioned joint events, sharing successful project experiences, and connecting with relevant organisations and donors. Looking at new forms of collaboration, participants saw potential in co-creation, joint programme development and new funding partnerships. Diaspora organisations and Partos members could work together from the earliest stages of programme development to identify priorities, design interventions, and make decisions.
Mentorship and coaching were also identified as a promising area for collaboration. One example discussed was a model in which local or diaspora-led organisations receive support during the early stages of developing an initiative, with guidance continuing until the organisation or project is sufficiently established and the organisation can move forward independently.
To make collaborations easier, participants also highlighted the need for better mechanisms to find each other. Mapping diaspora-led organisations and Partos members, including where they work and their expertise, could help identify potential partners. Participants also discussed developing a matching system, strengthening networks and sharing relevant contacts more openly.
Finally, participants discussed the potential for stronger joint advocacy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant stakeholders. Partos could help ensure diaspora-led organisations are included as equal partners in policy discussions, programme design, and funding opportunities.
Building a new future for international cooperation
Ultimately, the discussion shifted towards how we can collaborate to build a new future for international cooperation. Rather than relying on traditional donor–partner relationships, we can work towards partnerships in which diaspora organisations are seen as equal partners. Diaspora organisations, NGOs and local communities can jointly define priorities, design programmes, and share decision-making. Each party brings different strengths, and combining them can support more sustainable, locally led solutions.
Knowledge sharing, brokering connections, and making better use of appropriate technologies can all support this shift. Diaspora organisations could have a more formal role in projects led by Partos members, while Partos members could help connect organisations. The aim should be to build relationships based on equality, trust and shared decision-making.
Next steps
The session was an important step in bringing diaspora organisations and Partos members together. A concrete next step is to map where diaspora organisations and NGOs are working and identify opportunities for connection. At the same time, there is a clear interest in organising more sessions where organisations can meet, exchange experiences and explore opportunities to work together. Partos will continue this dialogue and organise more sessions to keep collaborating.