On 5th August 2019, at Zimbabwe House (The Embassy) an exploratory meeting was held between the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Network UK with respect to the logistics of having a Proposed UK International Diaspora Conference on Mainstreaming the Zimbabwean Diaspora for National Development.
While useful prospective outcomes of the Proposed Conference were considered, it was resolved that for the Proposed Conference to succeed, more preliminary groundwork needs to take place.
Appreciative of the need for the comprehensive groundwork, it was felt that it is imperative to have a wide-based consultative process including the wider UK Diaspora that can lead to the formation of Working Parties representing the key stakeholders which will distil insights gleaned from various
outreaches that the Diaspora Directorate has been engaging in alongside theorising by the Global Diaspora with a view to produce a Diaspora Model that best speaks to the needs of Zimbabwe.
The first step which should be concluded by 27th September 2019 at the latest, involves drawing up a comprehensive list of leaders of UK Zimbabwean Diaspora Organisations (Civic, Church, Governmental and individual). Following up the compilation of the list, the respective Diaspora leaders will be invited to a broad-based Diaspora Consultative Forum in October 2019 where further details will be reviewed in addition to constituting Working Parties that will work on targeted areas that will produce a Diaspora Model that is considered the best fit for Zimbabwe.
The resultant International Diaspora Conference on Mainstreaming the Diaspora for National
Development which is now Proposed for the New Year will see the Official Launch of the Diaspora Model/Policy and will also address desirable outcomes such as the Diaspora Vote, Dual Citizenship, Investment by the Global Diaspora and other related outcomes.
The Keynote Speech will be given by the Government of Zimbabwe representative at the highest level.
Please pass on this message to all Diaspora Leaders on your contact list and ask them to send their respective contact details to Dr Paul Matsvai by WhatsApp on 07817534745 or email:
paulmatsvai@hotmail.com
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