Abstract

Who are diasporas? How do they become development actors? What are their motivations and how
do they manage their development projects?
This presentation will explore the field of development projects promoted by diaspora associations
in their countries of origin, using Somalia as a case study. It will present success stories of diaspora
associations that have managed to promote change and welfare in their villages of origin, discuss
how diaspora associations operate as development actors, and how much their motivation - or
sentiment - influences their activism and the success of their projects.

Speaker's presentation

Valeria Saggiomo is an academic in the field of international development cooperation with 20
years of experience in Africa as a development worker and evaluation consultant. 
She is currently a Research Fellow in Economic Sociology at the University Orientale of Naples,
where she teaches International Development Cooperation; she has been a visiting researcher at
Harvard University, Center for International Development - Harvard Kennedy School. She is a
consultant to prominent NGOs, the International Organisation for Migration and the Evaluation
Office of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Her research
interests focus on aid effectiveness, evaluation and the role of diaspora organisations in promoting
development in their countries of origin. In 2025, Valeria will hold the UNESCO Chair on Gender,
Climate Change and International Cooperation in Africa and the MENA Region.