Engaging Sudanese Diasporas in Reconstruction and Development of Sudan

Dear All

First, let me introduce myself to you. My name is Elwthig Kameir, a Sudanese working for the last 6 years with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian Research institution that support development research in the developing world. I am based at IDRC’s Regional Office for North Africa and the Middle East in Cairo, Egypt.

The purpose of my message is to solicit your invaluable input and engage you in a debate, which I am sure will be of great interest for you and all the Sudanese in the Diaspora. I am equally confident that all of you, albeit in different forms and forums, are concerned with the challenges of development and rebuilding of our country as it hopefully emerges from conflict and war to peace and stability.

I have been asked by the UNDP-Sudan to help in designing a UNDP TOKTEN-type program for Sudan, with focus on the South. TOKTEN stands for the “Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals”. The idea is to encounter the effects of "brain drain" by bringing back talented expatriate nationals to their home country based on a spirit of volunteerism through widening the participation of the Sudanese people in the reconstruction of their country. It is, therefore, deemed urgent to engage more thoroughly with the Sudanese expatriate community, with particular focus on the highly skilled and qualified professionals in various field of expertise. Thus, UNDP Sudan as part of a national initiative is now trying to put in place and is seeking to implement a mechanism for encouraging Sudanese Expatriates to return to the Sudan to engage in the recovery and reconstruction of the country. The work in question is of great importance for Sudan, particularly now with the anticipation of the conclusion of the Nivasha Peace Agreement very soon.

It would be an invaluable contribution if you could provide me with your thoughts and insights on:

1. The concept of Sudanese professionals engaging in the process of reconstruction in the post-peace era by contributing voluntarily in short-term assignments (3 weeks-one month) to assist in various capacity-building endeavors. (Note that UNDP will cover travel costs and pay the per diem for accommodation and meals, UN rate for Sudan, as well as insurance).

Whoever is willing to volunteer is requested to send his/her resume, indicating field of specialization and preferable area of engagement.

2. Sources of information on the Sudanese expatriate community abroad, including range of expertise available among them, where they are located, type of employment etc.

3. Sources of information of existing networks/databases and professional organizations on which resources we can tap.

4. Options of engaging this community, including advantages and disadvantages of each option.

5. Any thoughts and ideas for making the proposed program a reality is welcome and would be much appreciated and acknowledged.


Thanks in advance

Wathig

Elwathig Kameir, Ph.D
Senior Program Specialist
IDRC Cairo Office
8 Ahmed Nasiem Street,Giza, 8th Floor
P.O.Box 14, Orman, Giza
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: (202) 336 7051 /2/3/4/7
Fax: (202) 336 7056
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.idrc.ca/cairo