Ukraine

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the GIZ programme "Shaping devolopment-oriented migration" (MEG) assists members of the diaspora in their efforts to promote sustainable development in their countries of origin. MEG supports diaspora experts, organisations, and entrepreneurs across 14 partner countries. Read on to discover more about the impactful engagement of diaspora members from Ukraine.

Diaspora Experts

The term "diaspora expert" refers to qualified individuals with a migration background who currently live and work in Germany, but wish to support their country of origin by volunteering at a local organisation for a short period. We currently support diaspora experts who wish to take up assignments in the following countries: Albania, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Viet Nam.

On the Road to Recovery

During her recent assignment in Ukraine, Kateryna Pavlova supported the Ministry for Restoration in developing a cohesive strategy for sustainable regional development.

Diaspora Organisations

Diaspora organisations implement development-oriented projects together with local partners to improve living conditions, drive innovation and foster knowledge exchange between their old and new homes. We support these projects by offering expert advice on how to transform project ideas into impactful initiatives and by providing financial support. We currently support diaspora organisations that are active or seeking to become active in the following countries: Albania, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine, and Viet Nam.

Learn more

Social Housing for Ukraine

FutureLink supports the humanitarian charity organisation CO-HATY to grow sustainably. CO-HATY was founded during the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and renovates empty houses.

Learn more

Healing Through Art

Vitsche equips therapists with art therapy tools that offer Ukrainians affected by war a low-threshold way to process trauma.

Learn more

Diaspora Networks

In our increasingly interconnected world, the importance of networking cannot be overstated. We support the establishment of diaspora networks within Germany, and between Germany and select partner countries. We also organise a wide range of diaspora events across different levels.

Learn more

Returning Experts for Ukraine's Recovery

Returning Experts (RE) are highly skilled individuals who have gained their expertise in Germany and wish to leverage their skills in local institutions by returning to their country of origin for an extended period. Many people with a migration history study, live and work in Germany and continue to feel a close connection to their countries of origin. Some of them would like to return at some point – also to make a difference locally. This holds great potential for sustainable development.

Learn more

The Ukrainian Diaspora in Action

This playlist showcases the impact of diaspora engagement in Ukraine. Find out how the diaspora organisation Vitsche is addressing mental health needs in the country or how diaspora expert Kateryna Pavlova supported Ukraine's reconstruction.

News

How diaspora actors are shaping development

Since June 2023, we have supported 116 short-term diaspora expert missions from Germany. Out of these, 25 have been documented so far, and found to have benefitted 3,817 persons directly.

Learn more

Apply as a Diaspora Expert

Would you like to pass on your knowledge and skills through a short-term development-oriented assignment in your country of origin? Then apply as a diaspora expert!

Kick-off for 14 new projects of Diaspora Organisations

From 21st to 23rd March 2025, the new cohort of 14 diaspora organisations supported by the GIZ programme "Shaping development-oriented migration" (MEG) met in Frankfurt to kick off their projects.

Unlocking Insights on Global Migration: New Resources Released!

Two new resources to support state and civil society actors in global migration processes have been launched. The brochure “Unpacking the GCM” and the booklet “Navigating Global Migration Processes” provide practical guidance and key insights for effective involvement and advocacy.

Learn more