Your country needs YOU: A letter to the Welsh diaspora

Dear Welsh diaspora, 

Change is constant and the pace of change seems to be getting evermore rapid as we tackle environmental issues, energy crisis and geopolitical disruption. The need for change is freely acknowledged but too often only takes place as a response to a crisis.  Consultants, special advisors and think tanks are common sources of ideas for change that businesses, institutions and governments use when faced with difficult challenges. Rarely, if ever, is the combined wisdom of a country’s diaspora deemed to be accessible as a source or a potential implementer of change.

When you left Wales to pursue a career and a life somewhere else in the world, you can be forgiven for thinking that your ability to influence their country of birth went with you. This shouldn’t and isn’t the case, far from it. Your world experience, knowledge, networks and in many cases, acquired wealth, is of huge value to us back home but we understand that this is only possible if you are given a voice, a way to stay connected and granted the ability to give back and exert that influence. 

"There’s a growing need for Wales to adopt a broader, more global, perspective on the threats and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly volatile world. You, our diaspora, can play a vital role as agents of positive change."

Wales is a wonderful country but oftentimes we can be insular and remote to what’s happening in the wider world.  There’s a growing need for Wales to adopt a broader, more global, perspective on the threats and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly volatile world. You, our diaspora, can play a vital role as agents of positive change.

All areas of Wales are challenged by the consistent loss of talent, especially the more rural communities in mid and north Wales.  There are initiatives to try and encourage young people to stay but more needs to be done to attract talent back.  These initiatives need to be evidence based, that's why we have launched our new research project looking into why people leave and what could attract them back.

Wales needs critical friends, a trusted network of people who ask provocative questions, provide data to be examined through another lens, and offer a critique of how Wales is run and how we can do better.  What better critical friend than a country's diaspora? People that have a deep connection with Wales, most with family and friends they’ve left behind and a desire to see their country succeed.

"Wales needs critical friends, a trusted network of people who ask provocative questions, provide data to be examined through another lens, and offer a critique of how Wales is run and how we can do better."

I spent over 20 years living outside Wales mostly working for American companies. When I returned to Wales I was shocked by what I encountered, on a multitude of levels, and knew we could do better. That was my motivation for creating GlobalWelsh knowing that there were others out there in the wider world (over 3 million of them in fact) hugely ambitious and successful Welsh diaspora that were a largely untapped resource for us. A potential knowledge base that can help bring about positive change and in time could completely transform Wales’ fortunes. This is what motivates me on a daily basis and this is why we need to hear from you via our survey.

The results of this academic research will touch every aspect of how Wales is run, both the public and private sector.  Business, sport, art and culture along with the national and local government, for the first time ever we will listen to what you have to say and share that with those who need to hear it.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of this study but, in short, your country REALLY DOES need YOU. If you are a member of the diaspora (living the UK or overseas) we want to hear from you. We are all stakeholders in this research and we are looking to gain detailed insights into the following questions:

• Why did you leave (not just the obvious)?
• On what basis would you consider returning?
• What do you believe are the barriers to returning?

Please take 20 minutes to complete the survey before 1st September 2024 >> 

 Please tell us what you think via the survey and I promise that your voice will be heard loud and clear and positive change will result.

 Thanks in advance for supporting Wales and GlobalWelsh.

 Diolch yn fawr, Walter