Overview

Critical role of diaspora in international scientific cooperation
3rd Diaspora International Conference
co-organized and hosted by the University of East London
University Square Stratford
London, United Kingdom, 25-26 July 2016

The aim of this conference is to ensure that relevant Diaspora groups are involved in the development and review of policies that impact on them or their country of origin. They are consulted with regard to the objectives and desired outcomes of the policy, and the best means of achieving them. Join us for this exciting conference, where international experts and high level Diaspora from the public and private sectors will give their views on the critical role of Diaspora towards sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based growth in the country of origin to ensure countries of origin are benefiting from their Diaspora and competing at the forefront of science, technology and innovation (STI).

It is hoped that the conference will be a good opportunity for students, researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, knowledge managers and the public to reflect on their use and management of knowledge. New perspectives on how these can be improved to better serve their goals will be developed. The conference also aims to learn lessons from the successful communities across the world.

Similar to all pervious conferences organised by WASD, the event also aims to discuss a range of questions relating to strengthening the linkages between industry, universities and research institutions as well as reconnecting these institutions to the SD discourse by exploring the role of professionals, universities and research institutions in achieving SD.

International Partners and Network

Centre for Islamic Finance Law and Communities (CIFLAC), University of East London, UK
Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex, UK
Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute (MEKEI), UK
Emerald Group Publishing, UK
Greenleaf Publishing, UK
Palgrave Macmillan, 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.

Sustainable Development Goals

Location

Stratford, E15 2RW, Newham, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Get Directions

Country/Regions

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
Janet Snow: International Coordinator and Editor
N. Joseph Navinraj: Publishing
Joseph Adamson: Video Production
Vicky Trainer: Graphic Designer

Participants

WASD conferences bring together researchers, policy makers, educators, consultants and employers from around the world to exchange knowledge and experience and discuss recent developments and current challenges in both theory and practice. Here is a list of distinguished speakers and panellists who have participated at WASD conferences in the past.

Languges

Related Conferences

Social Networks

Contact Us

To register/enquire about this conference and all our other conferences and events, please contact us (admin@wasd.org.uk) and if you have any question and/or if you would like to submit any proposal for a conference/event not listed in our portfolio please contact our International Coordinator - Janet Snow at: janet.snow@wasd.org.uk.

Objectives

The conference main panels include:

Education
Capacity development and the skill gap
Higher education and scientific research
Role of youth, women and gender inequalities
Health
Business, investment and industry
Information and communication technologies
Agriculture
Natural resources and the environment
Science, technology and innovation
Creative and knowledge-based economy
Good governance and anti-corruption strategies
peace, security and migration issues

Women

Women across the world have an untapped potential as a primary mover of greater development within their countries and regions. Their role is very crucial for increased development, but challenges remain. And so, significant reforms in economic, social, and political institutions must be made to create an enabling environment for women participation and empowerment. However, it appears that investments in human development are not readily translated to better economic and political outcomes for women. Unfortunately, women’s potential and crucial role in development across the world is still impeded by these economic and social factors. Women’s participation is also very important in advancing peace, unity and combating terrorism, which is a most serious threat to SD across all regions of the world. It has also been recognized that women have been largely excluded from the processes of conflict management and prevention and that their role is important in the achievement of lasting peace and security (UN, 2015).

Theme

Sustainable development (SD) is a multidisciplinary that requires the integrative engagement of all disciplines and stakeholders. Therefore, 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.

Youth

WASD is very keen to encourage the engagement of children and youth from across the world in the conference. We are keen to make the voice of all our children and youth heard and consequently enabling the decision makers to consider those views and ideas in their big decisions. The entire concept of SD is about the future and the future is all about the children and youth! Youth population is growing rapidly in all regions of the world and we are very keen to understand the children and youth perspectives and expectations for their future to help them be ready to grasp the various opportunities generated in the digital economy. We strongly believe our children and youth should be the cornerstone of any strategy by all governments and policy makers. We must listen to our children and youth and more importantly how we can help our youth with their future employment plans and aspirations. Youth from all-over the world are encouraged to participate in the conference and present their research, perspectives and initiatives.

Publications

This book includes contributions by international experts and high level Diaspora from the public and private sectors across the world on the critical role of Diaspora towards sustainable and inclusive knowledge-based growth in the country of origin to ensure countries of origin are benefiting from their Diaspora and competing at the forefront of science, technology and innovation (STI).

The chapters in the book provide details of how to ensure relevant Diaspora groups are involved in the development and review of policies that impact on them or their country of origin. They are consulted with regard to the objectives and desired outcomes of the policy, and the best means of achieving them.

Editor: Professor Allam Ahmed
ISBN: 978-1-907106-36-1
Year: 2016
Pages: 258

Speakers

Welcome and Overview
Allam Ahmed, President WASD, Director MEKEI, and Founder Sudan Knowledge, UK

Session (1): Diaspora and sustainable development: opportunities and challenges

Chair: Professor Hunud Abia Kadouf, Dean, Ahmad Ibrahim Faculty of Laws, International Islamic University, Malaysia
Rapporteur: Professor Izzeldin Mohamed Osman, Chairman, Council for Computer Systems Professions and Former Vice-Chancellor, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan

Transformation of traditional diaspora leadership, management and involvement model
Rudi Page, Executive Director, Making Connections Work Ltd, UK
> View presentation
Dispersed, But are we united?
Basma Khalifa, International Fashion Journalist, UK
> View presentation
Return to the homeland: Dilemma of immigrants from developing countries
Dr. Musa Shallal, United Arab Emirates University, UAE
> View presentation

Session (2): Information and communication technologies and diaspora engagement

Chair: Dr. Adil Eltigani, Scientific Director, Skeam Business School, France
Rapporteur: Dr. Ayat Abu-Agla, Sudanese Medical Specialization Board and Trinity College University of Dublin, Ireland

Unlocking diaspora potentials: Towards a sustainable big data platform for engagement and exploitation
Professor Lukumon O. Oyedele, Director of Bristol Enterprise, Research and Innovation Centre (BERIC) and Professor of Enterprise and Project Management University of the West of England, UK
> View presentation
An internet mediated PhD programme in computer science and information technology
Professor Izzeldin Mohamed Osman, Chairman, Council for Computer Systems Professions and Former Vice-Chancellor, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan
> View presentation
Benchmarking assessment of the ICT ecosystem in Sudan
Dr. Hassan Hamdoun, University of Aberdeen, UK
Osama Mohammed Khair and Osama Mohammed Ibrahim, Zain, Sudan
Marwan A. A. Adam, Sudanese Knowledge Society, Sudan
> View presentation
Nutrition and dietetic services in the context to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and the need of diasporic engagement
Dr. Nahlaa A. Khalifa, King Abdulaziz University, KSA
> View presentation

Session (3): Diaspora role in peace and security

Chair: Ahmed Bannaga, Legal Advisor and International Representative, Physical Environmental Centre of Khartoum, Sudan
Rapporteur: Dalia Almik, Patron, Aid to Africa Organization in the British Parliament, UK

From passive to active: Changing times in diaspora engagement in home grown terrorism and foreign fighter trend
David Otto, Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime/Security Expert, Director, TGS Intelligence Consultants Ltd, UK
> View presentation
Human trafficking in Eastern Sudan and its impact on Europe
Suliman Salih Dirar, African Global Media and Community Development, UK
> View presentation
Contextualizing socio-legal problems of Sudanese students in Malaysia
Professor Hunud Abia Kadouf, Dean, Ahmad Ibrahim Faculty of Laws, International Islamic University, Malaysia
> View presentation
Review of neurology specialist visits to Southern Darfur
Dr. Isameldin M. H. Izzeldin, University of Strathclyde, UK
Dr. Asma E.I. Abdel-Gader, Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan
Dr. Khalid M. E. El-Talib, Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
Dr. Hatim A. Nagi, National Insurance Fund, Sudan
> View presentation

Session (4): Economy and finance

Chair: Chair: Rudi Page, Executive Director, Making Connections Work Ltd, UK
Rapporteur: Dr. Siham El-Kafafi, Director of Research, ICL Education Group, New Zealand

Review of the contribution and role of the manufacturing sector in the Sudanese Economy
Dr. Adil Dafa’Alla, Airbus UK, UK
> View presentation
Sudanese microfinance providers mobile banking adoption intention determinants
Anwar Ammar, Multimedia University, Malaysia
Prof. Elsadig Ahmed, Multimedia University, Malaysia
Prof. Abdelrahman Elzahi, Islamic Development Bank, Saudi Arabia
> View presentation
Economic value of agricultural water in Sudan
Dr. Eltigani E. B. Abdelgalil and Dr. Mohamed E. Gali, University of Gezira, Sudan
> View presentation
The economic impact of migration on the welfare of Ethiopian households
Yousra Abdelmoneim and Dr. Julie Litchfield, University of Sussex, UK
> View presentation

Session (5): University of Khartoum, Sudan: Past – Present – Future

Chair: Allam Ahmed, President WASD, UK
Rapporteur: Dr. Abdelrahman Omer, Specialist Trainee, Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK

The session will also discuss the future of the University of Khartoum, Sudan as the main and oldest university in Sudan. In addition to the conference delegates, there will be contributions from across the world by various international experts and scholars via skype and other social media tools. The session will discuss in more details the recent protests by the university students over reports about the government plans to sell some buildings of the university for use as a tourist attraction.

Reflection from day one
Dr. Adil Dafa’Alla, Specialist, Aero Data for Loads, Airbus UK, UK

Session (6): knowledge transfer, skills and capacity development

Chair: Dr. Elsheikh Badr, Secretary General, Sudanese Medical Specialization Board, Sudan
Rapporteur: Dr. Ibrahim N. Mamadu, Specialist, Centre for Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods, Nigeria
Knowledge for the development of the home country
Dr. Adil Eltigani, Skeam Business School, France
Dr. Mohamed Shamou, Ford Motor Company, UK
> View presentation
Reflections on six years of knowledge transfer to Sudan – SMA UK&I experience
Dr. Babikir Ismail, Sudanese Medical Association (SMA), UK
> View presentation
The role of diaspora’s multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in sustainable rural development
Dr. Abdelrahman Omer, Royal Victoria Infirmary, UK
The development of the future leadership in Sudan: investment in human capabilities
Ahmed Bannaga, Physical Environmental Centre of Khartoum, Sudan
> View presentation
Watch video

Session (7): Science, technology and innovation

Chair: Dr. Eltigani E. B. Abdelgalil, Dean, Water Management and Irrigation Institute, University of Gezira, Sudan
Rapporteur: Elmouiz S. Hussein, Airbus UK, UK

A UNESCO “Arab Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Facility”: A key to building an innovation economy in the Arab Region
Dr. Nazar M. Hassan, UNESCO Regional Office for Sciences for the Arab States, Egypt
Open innovation in practice –Google versus Microsoft</str ong>
Dr. Siham El-Kafafi, ICL Education Group, New Zealand
Jing Chai, Greenspot Ltd., New Zealand
> View presentation
The public use of virtual support groups: Proposed study to explore a cross-platform mobile messaging application used by self-created weight loss group
Dr. Nagat Eltoum, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, KSA
> View presentation
North East Arid Zone Development Programme: Diaspora partnership opportunity in research and development in the Sahel of Nigeria
Professor Njidda M. Gadzama, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
> View presentation

Session (8): Environment and industry

Chair: Dr. Mohamed Shamou, Quality & Reliability Consultant, Ford Motor Company, UK
Rapporteur: Dr. Elham Aljaaly, Vice-Dean of Female Section and Head of the Clinical Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, KSA

Enablers and inhibitors for effective industrialization process in Sudan
Dr. Adil Dafa’Alla, Airbus UK, UK
Elmouiz S. Hussein, Airbus UK, UK
Marwan A. A. Adam, Sudanese Knowledge Society, Sudan
> View presentation
Towards a resilient reconstruction of Syria through strategic governance and capacity building
Dr. Roudaina Al Khani, Platforms for sustainable cities and regions, UK
Climate change, conflict and displacement: Disaster risk reduction in Sudan
Nuha Eltinay, Arab Urban Development Institute, Saudi Arabia and Doctoral Researcher, London South Bank University, UK
Assessment of the use of treated wastewater from oil refinery in irrigation, Khartoum-Sudan
Dr. Sarra Saad, National Center for Research, Sudan
Sufyan A. M. Osman, Ministry of Oil, Sudan
Dr. Ahmed Aldoma, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan
Hind Abdallah Suliman, University of Khartoum, Sudan
> View presentation

Session (9): Public health and medical sciences

Chair: Dr. Babikir Ismail, Consultant Pathologist, Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Trust and Sudanese Medical Association (SMA), UK
Rapporteur: Dr. Isameldin M. H. Izzeldin, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist, University of Strathclyde, UK

The Sudan Medical Specialization Board diaspora program: achievements and lessons from recent experience
Dr. Elsheikh Badr and Dr. Nazik Babikir, Sudanese Medical Specialization Board, Sudan
Dr. Ayat Abu-Agla, Sudanese Medical Specialization Board and Trinity College University of Dublin, Ireland
> View presentation
The contribution of diaspora in healthcare of the country of origin: time to step up
Dr. Ibrahim N. Mamadu, Centre for Alternative Sustainable Livelihoods, Nigeria
> View presentation
Research status and profile of the second didactic dietetics programme in Saudi Arabia: A response from a Diaspora of graduates
Dr. Elham Aljaaly, King Abdulaziz University, KSA
> View presentation

Session (10): Strengthening the diaspora networks and groups: the role of YOUTH

Chair: Allam Ahmed, President WASD, UK
Rapporteur: Yousra Abdelmoneim, University of Sussex, UK

This session will discuss and gather viewpoints from across the world about how to how to ensure the relevant Diaspora groups and networks are involved in the development and review of policies that impact on them or their country of origin. They are consulted with regard to the objectives and desired outcomes of the policy, and the best means of achieving them to ensure countries of origin are benefiting from their Diaspora and competing at the forefront of science, technology and innovation (STI).

The world of tomorrow belongs to the youth of today, therefore it is necessary to observe and act on their issues, comments and concerns. The session will also highlight the main topics of advocacy amongst youth and examine new and emerging methods of influencing policy and raising consciousness (eg media, IT), identify problematic areas and find solutions for message delivery, implementation of policy and programme longevity. Contributors will discuss issues relating to gender equity and youth and the important role and contribution they are expected to make in the future Diasporic cultural development. Some of the other issues that can be discussed here relates to how youth and gender shape identities in the modern world; How diasporic communities challenge or reinforce gender in equalities in the evolving Diasporic centers?; In what ways can future Diasporic activities offer opportunities for women and youth to chart new approaches to Sudanese cultural manifestations in view of their contributions, challenges and vulnerabilities within the host country context?

2017 Conference theme and venue

Best Paper Award

Concluding Remarks and End of Conference

Critical role of diaspora in international scientific cooperation

Overview

Diaspora

Sustainable Development Goals

Location

Country/Regions

Team

Participants

Languges

Related Conferences

Social Networks

Contact Us

Objectives

Women

Theme

Youth

Publications

Speakers

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Critical role of diaspora in international scientific cooperation

Overview

Diaspora

Sustainable Development Goals

Location

Country/Regions

Team

Participants

Languges

Related Conferences

Social Networks

Contact Us

Objectives

Women

Theme

Youth

Publications

Speakers

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