Ulaanbaatar - On April 16 2024, IOM Mongolia organized its first Diaspora Open Forum in Shangri-la ballroom, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Research results of Mongolian diaspora, diasporas' contribution to the public and private sectors, and open panel discussion between the government officials, private sector, and NGOs were included as the agenda of the Forum.

"Diasporas are assets to countries of destination and countries of origin as they bring with them, and transfer back, a wealth of resource, ranging from skills, knowledge, ideas to culture, finance, investment, entrepreneurship, and trade links," said Giuseppe Crocetti, IOM Chief of Mission for Mongolia.

UN Resident Coordinator for Mongolia Tapan Mishra, Governor of Khovd aimag E.Bolormaa, Head of Census and Data Analysis Department of the National Statistics Office Sh.Ariunbold, and Board Director of Sendly NBFI B.Naranbat were also in attendance and shared their thoughts on the value of Mongolian diaspora during the Forum.

Mongolia has been experiencing a flux of emigration, the total number of citizens living abroad increased by 14.2% in the last decade. According to the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) 2023 estimate, over 210,000 Mongolians (6.1% of the total population) are residing abroad.

Furthermore, the economic contribution of the Mongolian diaspora is substantial, reaching a total 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 12.5% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and is about 1.7 times bigger than the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Approximately 98% of the Diaspora Mapping survey participants expressed interest in contributing to the development of Mongolia by exchanging and transferring their knowledge and experience, mobilizing their networks and connections to support local businesses and investments, and providing financial support, hence, it is crucial to tap into the potential of Mongolian diasporas.

The government of Mongolia has recently reflected on diaspora engagement issues in its long-term development policy "Vision 2050", aiming to solidify the cooperation between Mongolians and scattered populations abroad within the target of Global Mongolians.

The Forum has facilitated the first-ever platform where the public, private institutions and diaspora communities engaged extensively to mobilize the development potential of the diaspora.

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For more information, please watch the Forum here: https://fb.watch/rxS4OJxddU/