Kingston, Jamaica – 15 October 2024.  The Government of Jamaica is progressing in its strategy to engage the Jamaican diaspora as part of the solution to address the challenges of climate change.  On Thursday 10 October, the Jamaica National Dialogue of the Diaspora 4 Climate Action (D4C) project was held at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston.  The hybrid event brought together senior officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the Ministry of Agriculture and other government officials, The Jamaica High Commission in the UK, members of the Jamaican diaspora, Diaspora Policy consultant Dr. Natalie Deitrich Jones, and a range of national stakeholders to forge a collaborative path toward more effective climate action, embracing the crucial role of the Jamaican diaspora.  The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the multi-stakeholder event. 

Lloyd Wilks, Senior Director, Diaspora Affairs Department of the MFAFT highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating diaspora engagement into national climate strategies.  He explained "The D4C Initiative exemplifies our proactive stance in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. We shall explore case studies, map priorities, and engage in robust discussions that will shape the trajectory of our nation's climate resilience, and sustainable growth”.  

This collaborative National Dialogue resulted in constructive feedback to an initiative proposed under D4C, to create a climate action-focused module as part of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (https://jadiasporaengage.mfaft.gov.jm/), a virtual platform launched at the recent Biennial Diaspora Conference.  Elizabeth Mullings-Smith, a D4C Diaspora Climate Champion reflected on the opportunity this newly created platform presents for showing Jamaica’s leadership in climate action, involving the whole of “team Jamaica” at home and abroad. 

The Dialogue also allowed for discussion of the government's initiatives to combat climate change.   Stakeholders agreed on the importance of utilizing and building on existing platforms to facilitate local-diaspora collaboration and development initiatives, and increased communication of areas of opportunity for investment and research and development. Participants also provided concrete suggestions for interventions where the Jamaican diaspora could directly contribute to national and local capacity to address climate change.  

IOM has been working along with the government, with funding from IOM’s Development Fund (IDF) to move this D4C initiative forward.  National Programme Officer, Krystal Lofters, expressed enthusiasm about the potential outcomes of the day’s discussions and the lasting impact of the partnership.   

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration, resilience, and adaptation in addressing climate change, and highlighted the potential for leveraging diaspora expertise and investments in green initiatives. A key focus of the discussion was on the importance of strengthening awareness around the impacts of climate change in Jamaica, among local and diaspora communities.  Effective and inclusive communication is also needed around policy efforts and developments, and existing tools and opportunities for diaspora engagement.    

 Climate change is shaping livelihoods and migration decisions, but diaspora communities are also part of the solution. With their global reach, expertise, and financial resources, Jamaicans living abroad can drive innovations and partnerships to help national climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.  Participants in the D4C’s National Dialogue engaged in dynamic discussions on leveraging the expertise, resources, and global connections of the Jamaican diaspora to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in the country.  

The Jamaica National Consultation on Diaspora 4 Climate Change marks a pivotal step in fostering meaningful diaspora engagement in climate action. The IOM remains committed to supporting these efforts with funding from the IOM Development Fund (IDF) and looks forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders. 

For more information, please contact Akeem Waite at awaite@iom.int