The Ukrainian diaspora is taking on a strategic role in national recovery through the launch of a Global Alliance for Diaspora Engagement in Ukraine's Reconstruction, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Introduced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, the initiative aims to channel global solidarity into coordinated, long-term contributions that support the rebuilding of Ukraine's institutions, economy, and communities.
Presented during the Lab "Diaspora-Driven Strategies for Empowering Ukraine's Recovery and Fostering Cohesion," a high-level session at the conference, the initiative brings together diaspora leaders, Ukrainian authorities, international organizations, and donors. The goal is to unlock the full potential of Ukrainians living abroad by fostering collaboration across sectors and borders.
"This is a crucial moment to move from goodwill to governance," said Arthur Erken, IOM Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. "Ukrainians living abroad are not just watching from afar. They want to shape the country's future. With an estimated 20 million members, the Ukrainian diaspora, along with millions more displaced since 2022, brings essential expertise, networks, and determination to the effort of rebuilding a resilient and democratic Ukraine."
The Alliance builds on consultations led by IOM with diaspora communities in Italy and beyond. These engagements highlighted strong interest in supporting recovery through more than financial remittances. Many participants expressed their readiness to contribute skills, experience, and knowledge to efforts that reconnect communities and restore essential services.
By offering a shared framework, the Alliance seeks to enhance coordination and ensure that diaspora-led efforts are impactful and aligned with Ukraine's evolving priorities. It also supports continued grassroots initiatives while encouraging institutional cooperation. The platform will promote partnerships among civil society, municipalities, and national institutions to strengthen recovery efforts across sectors.
A dedicated Task Force is developing a roadmap that will define the Alliance's structure and activities. This includes outlining roles for key actors, mechanisms for coordination, and areas of strategic focus. The roadmap will also cover tools for measuring results and sharing data transparently.
Although participation in the Alliance is voluntary, it is underpinned by a clear commitment to collective responsibility, mutual accountability, and practical collaboration. The design of the initiative draws on IOM's data and research tools and reflects lessons learned from similar models of transnational engagement.
In parallel, the Alliance will work to deepen ties between diaspora groups and actors inside Ukraine, particularly in regions leading local recovery. These connections are essential to ensure that support from abroad is responsive to real needs on the ground and contributes meaningfully to inclusive development.
The initiative is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, development agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners. As Ukraine moves forward, the active involvement of its global citizens will remain a key element in building long-term resilience and restoring public trust.
IOM will continue to provide technical and strategic support for the Alliance, helping to ensure that diaspora engagement contributes to a recovery process grounded in inclusion, dignity, and shared purpose.
To express interest in joining the Task Force for the Alliance for Diaspora Engagement in Ukraine's Recovery, please fill out this form .
