Conference 2018

According to a 2013 World Bank Study, “There is nearly one person living abroad in the Diaspora to every person still resident within the Caribbean, making the Diaspora an untapped potential resource for economic development”. It further reported that “nine out of ten would like to be even more engaged in the future, potentially as investors”.

In June 2018, St Kitts and Nevis will hold its first Diaspora Conference with the aim of facilitating and strengthening networking between the Diaspora and national entities through interactive sharing and exchange of knowledge.

The historic event has as its theme, “Building Partnerships towards Sustainable Development.” The theme captures the event’s intent to provide a forum for information sharing and networking opportunities aimed at building capacity for an uncertain future. It will attract approximately 300 diaspora participants from academia, government and the private sector who are widely dispersed across the globe including Canada, the United Kingdom, the USA and the UAE.

As St. Kitts and Nevis joins with the international community to work toward fulfilling its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of specific goals ranging from eradication of poverty, quality education to climate action, dynamic engagement with, and of, the diaspora will play an important role in expanding and deepening worldwide partnerships for sustainable development.

The planning is spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation with representatives from key stakeholder agencies, including the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Tourism, Finance, Information Technology, the Government Information Service, Nevis Tourism Authority (NIPA), The St Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU).

To provide a forum for dialogue among the Diaspora, government and its agencies, the private sector and civil society organisations to enhance collaboration toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the further development of the Federation.

1. Improved mechanisms and structures for facilitating Diaspora engagement

2. Heightened awareness about opportunities for involvement in nation building and investment

3. Development of a database of Diaspora expertise

4. Approved Diaspora Policy

1. Increased engagement with the Diaspora

2. Increase in start up businesses especially among the youth

3. Increased investments by members of the Diaspora

4. Mentorship, training and capacity building opportunities

1. Ministerial Presenters
The Hon. Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs will address the Conference
Presentation from Representative of the IOM
TBC
Presentation on Sustainable Development
Member of the Diaspora
Forums (Panel Format)
Organization of three forums.
Ministerial Panel to be moderated by two youth involved in debating and Youth Parliament

Youth Forum for knowledge sharing and training

Open forums –
Presenters are Diaspora members who are currently engaged in charity programmes/projects in the Federation. They will share their experience under the theme “Growing to Give Back”
Some accomplished members of the Diaspora will have the opportunity to share on their area of expertise and discuss avenues for partnership with the Federation.
2. EXPO
Exhibition of company products to facilitate exchanges of information and best practices in respective fields.
3. Tours
Organization of study tours in both St Kitts and Nevis to create awareness about areas for investment and showcase infrastructural advancement
4. Cocktail Reception
Organizing a Welcome Reception for familiarization and networking
5. Cultural Extravaganza
Displaying key features of our culture through folklore, music, and cuisine.

Agriculture
Business Investment Opportunities
Citizen Security
Cultural & Creative Industries
Education
Health
ICT & Digital Economy
Immigration & Deportation
Medical Tourism
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
Skills & Knowledge Exchange
Social Impact Investment
Sports Tourism
Trade & Investment
Renewable Energy
Youth Development
Entrepreneurship
Volunteering