Diversity Matters



	This year the Diversity Matters forum focuses on the diasporas of the Commonwealth. The two-day intensive conference will examine the size, scale and location of the diasporas and discuss how they are constructed, the faith connections and the education imperatives. Furthermore the following questions will be considered: How do diasporas influence the economic development of their new settlement countries and the old home nations? How can we ensure that the many immigrant diasporas are included, engaged and integrated? How do we best realise people’s potential in the diasporas in the Commonwealth? The Fifth Diversity Matters forum will be held in Malaysia and will build on the success of the previous forums held in Brisbane (2001), London (2003), Kolkata (2005) and Johannesburg (2007). Two key features of these have been the excellent program of international speakers and in providing a true forum for the interchange of ideas and experiences. As past delegates will attest, these forums present a timely opportunity to influence the Commonwealth’s agenda. In this instance, it will be by examining a little-considered topic - the role of diasporas in helping achieve the Commonwealth’s vision and mandates, and the part diasporas can play in shaping and implementing Commonwealth programmes. The 5th Diversity Matters forum is organised by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, in partnership with the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, the Commonwealth Foundation, Monash University Campus Malaysia, The Statesman of India and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.