Overview
The Role of Diaspora in Technology Transfer and Achieving Sustainable Development in Sudan
1st Diaspora International Conference
Hosted by the Science and Technology Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex, UK
UNESCO Chair on Transfer of Technology (UNESCOTT)
World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)
24-25 January 2009, Holiday Inn, Brighton, UK
Sudan like much of the rest of the developing world has toyed with and abided by various approaches or strategies to transfer technology (TT) and achieve sustainable development (SD) without reaping any significant socio-economic benefits.
The Sudanese diasporic community is relatively large and has a significant impact on Sudan development on account of the size and volume of financial remittances. However diasporic contribution is largely neglected within national science and technology policies and strategies.
Adopting a more holistic approach, the conference aims to provide a stimulus for knowledge exchange and discussion that focuses on issues relating to the role of diaspora in TT and achieving SD to critically examine the relations and links between diaspora, Sudan and host countries, and attempts to outline policy and strategies to support the role of diaspora in developing, creating wealth and achieving SD in Sudan. The conference also aims to learn lessons from the successful communities across the world and emulate the ideas and innovations of these communities by Sudan.
International Partners and Network
- Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex, UK
- Sudan Knowledge, UK
Diaspora
The collaboration between the Diaspora and those working within the country of origin offers several opportunities and contributes to increase productivity towards sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based growth. Building constructive relationships between the Diasporas and countries of origin require that Diasporas be treated not as a mere resource, but as partners and investors with mutual benefits.
It has long been argued that Diasporas will be most interested in contributing to SD efforts when they have a sense of belonging in relation to their country of origin. Therefore, it is very important to establish trust between Diasporas and governments in the country of origin. In doing so, governments need to invest in identifying their Diasporas abroad and in understanding their skills and interests.
Many sustainability problems can only be tackled by connecting the diaspora with those working within the country of origin, for example combating the results of climate change, diseases such as malaria, reservation of natural resources, fighting land degradation or limiting the loss of biodiversity and many other problems. Moreover, knowledge or evidence-based policymaking is indispensable if gaps in living standards are to be narrowed. Therefore, building capacity in country of origin is necessary for competing in the global arena and there it is critical to turn the diaspora into a positive tool for SD as well as serving as role models for the youth in the country of origin.
Location
Holiday Inn, Kings Road 137, Brighton, England BN1 2JF, United Kingdom
Team
The conference is organised by several committees from WASD and under close supervision of WASD Advisory Board.
WASD Team
- Prof. Allam Ahmed: Co-Chair and President WASD
- Joseph Adamson: Video Production
- Moniem Ibrahim: Video Production
- Dr. Abu-Bakr Abu-Median: Track Chair
- Dr. Mohammed Ali: Track Chair
- Dr. Adil DafaÊAlla: Track Chair
- Dr. Ihab El-Hemaidi: Track Chair
- Professor Suad Sulaiman: Track Chair
- Eng. Mohamed Elhag: IT
- Eng. Hassan Tangasawi: Graphic Design
- Ms Fiona Dooley: Admin
