DEMAC, which stands for Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination, is a global initiative dedicated to improving coordination and collaboration among diaspora organizations involved in humanitarian assistance. Founded in 2015, DEMAC aims to enhance the visibility, engagement, and recognition of diaspora organizations within the humanitarian system. Diaspora organizations are vital actors in humanitarian responses, working across borders in countries facing crises.

Their close local connections enable them to respond rapidly to community alerts and swiftly provide funding and assistance, especially in hard-to-reach areas. DEMAC recognizes the complexity of diaspora engagement and promotes a nuanced approach based on evidence and analysis. Humanitarian coordination is crucial, as diaspora organizations play a central role in localization efforts, strengthening the resilience of local communities and supporting frontline responders.

However, coordination between diaspora groups and institutional humanitarian actors is often lacking, hindering the overall response. DEMAC's mission is to bridge this gap by improving coordination and collaboration among diaspora organizations providing humanitarian assistance, as well as fostering engagement and visibility for these organizations within the humanitarian system. To achieve this, DEMAC facilitates dialogue, provides resources and guidelines, and offers support in emergency-prone countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, Northwest Syria, and Somalia.

With an Advisory Board comprising equal representation from diaspora communities and humanitarian institutions, DEMAC is guided by a diverse team dedicated to its strategic direction. Join DEMAC's network and be part of transforming the humanitarian ecosystem