Citizens & Diaspora Diplomacy

Equipping participants to engage across borders through culture, dialogue, activism, and civic leadership. Participants learn how to transform local engagement into global influence.

 

 

 

 

SHCOOL OF CITIZEN & DIASPORA DIPLOMACY

Citizen Diplomacy (Diplomatie Citoyenne)

Citizen Diplomacy refers to the direct engagement of individuals and civil society actors—outside formal government channels—in fostering international dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation. Within the Global Academy of Diplomacy framework, it empowers everyday citizens, community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and youth to act as informal ambassadors of peace, culture, and shared values.

Key Features:

  • Promotes grassroots international dialogue.

  • Encourages participation in intercultural exchanges, global forums, and community diplomacy.

  • Bridges local realities with global agendas (e.g., climate change, peacebuilding, education, and innovation).

  • Supports inclusive diplomacy by valuing local voices and lived experiences.

Diaspora Diplomacy (Diplomatie de la Diaspora)

Diaspora Diplomacy is the strategic involvement of diaspora communities in advancing diplomatic, cultural, economic, and developmental relations between their countries of residence and origin. The Global Academy of Diplomacy recognizes diasporas as powerful transnational agents who contribute to international cooperation, investment, and cultural diplomacy.

Key Features:

  • Mobilizes diasporas for knowledge transfer, investment, and bilateral cooperation.

  • Facilitates cultural diplomacy through heritage promotion and identity dialogue.

  • Enhances soft power by building bridges between home and host countries.

Encourages diaspora representation in multilateral and diplomatic arenas.

Program Description

Program Description:
This program explores the evolving field of Diaspora Diplomacy and its strategic potential in fostering bilateral relations, economic development, and cultural representation. It empowers diaspora actors and institutional stakeholders with tools to design, lead, and advocate for transnational impact.

Key Learning Modules:

  1. Understanding Diaspora Diplomacy: Identity & Dual Belonging

  2. Economic Diplomacy: From Remittances to Investment Bridges

  3. Diaspora as Cultural Diplomats: Soft Power & Heritage

  4. Policy Influence & Representation Mechanisms

  5. Regional and International Frameworks for Diaspora Engagement

  6. Strategic Workshop: Diaspora Project Development & Deployment

Institutional Benefits:

  • Stronger diaspora policy frameworks and engagement tools

  • Enhanced cultural and economic diplomacy via diaspora channels

  • Transnational collaboration and capacity-building

Mme Irene Niangoran                                                                                                                         Global Vice-President                                                                                                                        GAD - Citizen & Diaspora Diplomacy                                                                                                 in Charge of the School of Citizen & Diaspora Diplomacy

Mother, Wife, Entrepreneur, and Speaker

Ms. Irène Niangoran is an African leader recognized for her expertise in strategic communications, entrepreneurial development, and economic diplomacy. She is the founder and CEO of Iroline Communication Holdings, a pan-African company specializing in image consulting, institutional positioning, and development communications.

A consultant to the African Union, she regularly speaks on topics related to governance, women's leadership, and strategic influence. Ms. Niangoran is also certified by the World Bank in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) management, enabling her to effectively support entrepreneurs and institutions in their sustainable growth processes.

A sought-after panelist at major international forums, notably at the Société Économique de l'Ontario (SEO), she also works as a transformational leadership coach, with a particular commitment to African youth and women.

Ms. Niangoran embodies a bold vision of a connected, influential and innovative world, where economic diplomacy, culture and sport constitute key levers of development and influence.