Empower Your Impact: Join Global Diaspora Academy's First Training Course

In today's interconnected world, diaspora leaders are essential in creating community ties, expanding networks, and driving social change. In response to the asks addressed at the two capacity training side events during the previous Global Diaspora Weeks, GDAcaedmy is delighted to organize its first training course as a great chance to enhance your skills in four key areas -

1) Organizational Development

2) Sustainable Finances

3) Project Management and Diaspora Intervention Areas

4) Networking, Communications and Partnerships

The first and second sessions of the GDAcademy training took place on 14 June.

GDAcademy: DOTT - Strengthening Diaspora Organisations from Within

This week’s GDAcademy training session focused on two core pillars of organisational success:

Organisational Development and Sustainable Finances. In a rapidly changing world, diaspora organisations must evolve with resilience, transparency and long-term vision. This session brought together diaspora leaders and contributors to discuss how to:

 • Build strong internal structures

 • Ensure financial stability 

 • Improve strategic planning and accountability 

We’re prof to support diaspora organisation in building strong foundations that will carry their missions forward for generations to come and are grateful to our trainers, Sardar and Raymond, for sharing valuable insight and knowledge on these topics. Thank you to everyone who attended and our next session will be held on the 21st June. (Memo from Muna, GDC Intern)

ABOUT THE TRAINING:

GDAcademy Training 2025 Brochure.pdf

Download PDF • 3.09MB

Join the Global Diaspora Academy (GDAcademy) for an exciting training course, Diaspora Essentials: Tools for Sustainable Impact.

This peer-led course will be applying the module-based toolkit developed through IOM-UNDP Diaspora Organization Training Trove (DOTT). The course is tailored for early and mid-career diaspora leaders, providing you with valuable tools to grow your initiatives and deepen your impact.

Build Core Organizational Capacity

Mastering the skills of organizational development is crucial for the success of any initiative. This course will help you reinforce your organization's foundation, which is critical for making lasting change in your community. You will learn effective strategies, such as:

• How to establish clear goals and objectives that align with your mission.

• Techniques for improving team communication and collaboration.

  
  

For instance, a diaspora organization based in the United States and focused on education in their home country saw a 40% increase in project success rates by implementing structured planning processes. These skills are vital for building a resilient, impactful nonprofit.

Virtual learning environment

Explore Real-Life Diaspora Case Studies

Learning from real-world examples can inspire transformational change. Throughout the training, you'll analyze case studies that showcase successful diaspora initiatives.

For example, a diaspora group in Canada developed a peer mentorship program that led to a 50% increase in youth engagement in community projects. By dissecting these success stories, you'll gain practical insights into best practices and creative solutions that you can apply directly in your own projects.

Connect with Like-Minded Leaders from Around the World

Networking is essential for any leader aiming to create an impact. In this course, you will connect with a diverse group of individuals who share your commitment to community development and social change.

Engaging in discussions and collaborating on projects will not only deepen your learning experience but also help you build a global support network. This can be invaluable when navigating challenges or exploring new opportunities.

Receive a Certificate of Completion

Enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to both personal and professional growth by earning a Certificate of Completion. This certification validates your skills and increases your credibility when advocating for your initiatives within diaspora communities.

Course Details at a Glance

• When: Saturdays, 14 June and 21 June 2025

• Time: 1 PM GMT until 5 PM GMT

• Registration Deadline: 5th of June at 11:59pm GMT

Spaces for this exclusive training are limited to only 30 participants. Early registration is strongly recommended to secure your spot in this transformative learning experience.

Seize This Opportunity

The Global Diaspora Academy’s Diaspora Essentials training course is a fantastic opportunity for diaspora leaders ready to elevate their initiatives. By strengthening your capacity, studying case examples, and connecting with fellow changemakers, you will be empowered to create sustainable impact in your community.

Become part of a growing global network of leaders dedicated to making a difference. Apply today and embark on your journey towards impactful leadership.

If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us here

Meet our speakers and trainers

Welcome

Peter Kwok is Founding Chair of the Global Diaspora Confederation (GDC), the global civil society convener for diaspora organizations worldwide. Peter has a strong passion for social innovation, and he is based in the UK.

Opening Remarks

Dr. Larisa Lara-Guerrero is a global expert in migration and diaspora engagement at IOM and leads key initiatives and co-developed the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance. With dual PhDs and degrees from Oxford and King’s College, she has trained officials in 28+ countries, supported 50+ IOM operations, and founded the acclaimed iDiaspora Journal and UN Diaspora Photo Competition.Her work bridges strategy, community engagement, and creativity — from launching the first UN Diaspora Photo Competition to founding the iDiaspora Journal, a platform now recognized as an SDG best practice.

GDAcademy Trainer - Organizational Development

Sardar Aftab Khan is an experienced public policy and community development leader with 25+ years driving diaspora engagement, emergency planning, and organizational capacity building. As Executive Director of Kashmir Development Foundation and Emergency Planning Officer in Cumbria, he leads impactful health, disaster recovery, and governance initiatives. Fluent in multiple languages, he champions equity, resilience, and inclusive community empowerment.

GDAcademy Trainer - Sustainable Finances

Raymond Soussa is a multilingual fundraising strategist and CEO of Eternal Sparks Consulting, raising over $20 million globally. He specializes in major gifts, grants, and partnerships, helping nonprofits build sustainable revenue. A PhD candidate at the University of Lisbon, Raymond researches diaspora mobilization and Islamic finance. Fluent in five languages, Raymond supports non-profits and start-ups in sustainable funding, combining strategic expertise with a passion for equity, inclusive development, and social impact.

GDAcademy Trainer - Project Management and Diaspora Intervention Areas

Hilaire Agnama serves as an elected representative of the Togolese Diaspora in the UK at the High Council of Togolese Abroad (HCTE). He is dedicated to advancing Togo’s development, fostering community integration, and promoting intercultural learning. With deep expertise in development education, equality, and migration, Hilaire supports schools and community initiatives focused on poverty alleviation and job creation across Africa. Holding advanced degrees in electrical engineering and development education, he champions the vital role of intercultural practices and meaningful international learning.

GDAcademy Trainer - Networking, Communications and Partnerships

Jawaahir Daahir MBE is the Chair of Global Somali Diaspora and holds a dual BAs and MAs with 30+ years in Organizational Development and Project Management training. She was awarded the British Empire Medal (2013) and Woman in the Community (2008). She excels in diaspora networking, communications, and partnership-building across NGOs and government institutions.

GDAcademy Moderator

Dr. Sabir Majumder, with a PhD in biophysical chemistry, is a resolute learner, educator, innovator, and entrepreneur. Apart from his high-tech engineering career in the USA, Sabir revived Bangladesh Chemical and Biological Society of North America in 1990s, published a regular monthly community magazine Porshi and cofounded Agami in early 2000s in connecting the Bangladeshi diaspora. He has been serving as a Board member of Agami, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to underprivileged children’s education. He is also serving as the lead of the GDC Fundraising Team. Sabir has a history of bringing together the passions, networks, and skillsets of volunteers and stakeholders in the local, national, and global stages in delivering cost-effective solutions and services.

GDAcademy Moderator

Elnura Omurkulova-Ozierska is Events Manager at the Global Diaspora Confederation (GDC). She joined the GDC in 2022 and has since been actively involved in the Global Secretariat and the development of the Global Diaspora Humanitarian Hub. Additionally, she has significantly contributed to the organization and execution of 2nd, 3rd and 4th Global Diaspora Week. Beyond her commitments with GDC, she is engaged with two research institutions in Kyrgyzstan. With over a decade of experience, she has worked across various international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. Her expertise spans several key areas including migration, elections, gender equality, reproductive health, climate change, among others. 

Closing Remarks

Roberto Cancel is a successful project manager and proposal writer as well as a certified project development trainer with diverse experience spanning from East Asia to Europe and North Africa to the Americas. With a good aptitude for learning languages and adapting to different cultural contexts, Roberto has a proven ability to work in complexity socio-political situations especially within international organizations. He has over nine years working with migrants and members of various diaspora groups with a focus on civil participation and migration and development. As a project manager and coordinator, Roberto has demonstrated a skill at liaising with counterparts on the local grass roots level as well as relevant ministers, legislators, municipalities, and other government institutions in order to implement capacity building activities.