On 31st October the British Foreign Policy Group came together to discuss about the role of diaspora communities in the UK and their potential in the establishment of an integrated society by means of extending their soft powers.
Panellists included members from diverse backgrounds of governmental institutions, foreign policy think tanks, academics among various others.
The discussion formed around the significance of the contributions both financially and culturally made by the various South-Asian, Caribbean and African diaspora communities present in the UK. Members discussed how more voices from these communities needed to be brought to the forefront through net-working as ways of strengthening the multi-national identities and bilateral relations.
“Framing the narrative is very important, we need to be very clear ourselves about who we talk to, why, what is our agenda and how we approach the subject we are discussing. And it is equally important that they are on the same page as us as well” said one of the members present at the forum.
Narrative in today's world of multiple identities forms a vital part of how we address the various issues pressing before us. Immigrant or a refugee? Expats or a diaspora community, these little framings form the invisible core of the political mood both at a domestic and international platform.
In a global world village internet has not just provided inter-connectivity but also helped in the various processes of cash remittances that drive the economy of various countries to helping combat the evils of slavery and human exploitation. However, often these remittances do not go through official channels. In light of such technological revelations, it is important to engage with the diaspora communities in the UK such that they are made aware of the Government initiatives with respect to the aid and funding given to the various world countries.
As the world stands further divided today with Brexit as the proverbial sword hanging above our shoulders, an extension of soft powers through community engagements becomes the fundamental source of an integrated society today.
