“Migration and Identity: Encouraging the Role of Diaspora"

International conference “Migration and Identity: Encouraging the Role of Diaspora"

April 13th, 2012 The international conference “Migration and Identity: Encouraging the Role of Diaspora” took place in the University of Latvia and was organized jointly by the European Commission Representation in Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the University of Latvia (UL) and the Centre for European and Transition Studies (CETS) of the University of Latvia. During the conference issues related to the emigration of Latvian labor force, particularly emphasizing on so-called third wave of emigration from Latvia, were discussed. Video of the conference's opening and keynote session, prof. Rainer Münz public lecture "Diasporas And Homelands: What Do We Know?“ is available here. Video of the conference's round table sessions is available here. Presentations and theses from the conference's speakers are available here:

• Diasporas and Homelands, presentation by Dr Rainer Münz 
• EU Diaspora - Civil and Social Rights. Recommendations, presentation by Mr Nicholas Newman 
• What Labor Do We Need For the “Economic Breakthrough” of Latvia?, presentation by Mr Daniels Pavļuts 
• The Geographical and Statistical Aspects of Latvian Diaspora, presentation by Dr Ilmārs Mežs 
• Europe – The „Sixth” Development Region of Latvia?, presentation and theses by Mr Aldis Austers
• Activating Our Hidden Asset, the Latvian Diaspora, theses by Mr Andris Bērziņš 
• Brain Drain vs. Brain Gain, presentation by Dr Mārtiņš Kazāks
• Learning From the Past to Face Future Challenges on Integration, presentation by Ms Dace Akule
• Interculturality, Fluctuant Identities and “Dwelling Mobility”, presentation by Dr Liesma Ose
• The Diaspora Community and Its Ties to Ancestral Home Land, theses by Dr Hosams Abu Meri