17-18 August 2023, Almaty, Kazakhstan – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, holds an international seminar–forum on interaction with the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots abroad.

The seminar is represented by the NPJSC "Otandastar Foundation", "World Association of Kazakhs", JSC "Center for International Programs", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Education, the Bureau of National Statistics, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, NCE Atameken, as well as international experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and the Russian Federation.

During the plenary sessions and interactive discussions, participants provided an outlook on the potential contribution and role of the diaspora in the socio-economic and cultural development of Kazakhstan, as well as what steps to take to further promote and refine the Communication Strategy with the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots abroad.

The modern role of diasporas and their influence on socio-economic and political processes in modern society is steadily increasing. The Diaspora at the present stage performs the function of a natural bridge and brings the development and interaction of states to a new level. Globalization and the development of modern technologies create conditions for their active participation in sustainable development.

According to the World Bank, global remittances reached $540 billion in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeding aggregate foreign direct investment ($259 billion) and overseas development assistance ($179 billion) in 2020.

Since gaining state sovereignty, Kazakhstan has headed for support and interaction with the Kazakh diaspora abroad. Due to the active repatriation policy since 1991, about 1.1 million ethnic Kazakhs (kandases) have returned to Kazakhstan, who contribute to the development of the country.

The Kazakh diaspora, estimated to be between 5 to 7 million people, represents a diverse pool of potential contributors to Kazakhstan's socio-economic development, with the Kazakh diaspora and compatriots in the Russian Federation standing out due to its size and unique socio-cultural ties.

The project is supported by the IOM International Development Fund (IDF).