New York, May 5, 2021 – The Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN) participated in the Global Digital Development Forum (GDDF). Organized by USAID, Chemonics, Save the Children, TechChange, IREX, IntraHealth International, and the Digital Impact Alliance around issues important to international development, the Global Digital Development Forum 2021 took place on May 5, 2021.

The goal of GDDF 2021 focused on providing community-driven sessions that explore digital development challenges and opportunities with four key benefits: ICT4D approach, peer connections, their ideas, and new experiences. SIMN was represented by its Development Associate, Sharon Granados in the session “Red Recuperación: Using Technology to Support the Venezuelan Population.”

In this session, the main elements that made the difference or provided a plus for the implementation of this Platform were discussed. One of them, in addition to the diversity element, is the role of faith-based organizations, which are not only relevant and crucial for welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants in transit and destination countries, but also its importance in collaboration with states and international organizations in the negotiation, implementation and monitoring of international mechanisms such as the Global Pacts.

In these times of uncertainty, the Red Recuperación Platform is an opportunity to help fill the gaps in international protection and humanitarian response. The network with its allies will help strengthen the alliance between religious organizations, states, international organizations, and civil society organizations to address the challenges of the Venezuelan migration crisis. Displaced Venezuelans, including those left in their communities of origin, particularly women, children, families, and minority groups are the most affected beneficiaries that this network is targeting.