Engaging the global Welsh

There are an estimated 3–4 million Welsh people living outside Wales.

This diaspora is an asset – a source of creativity, skills, and investment. With strong leadership from a Plaid Cymru government, the worldwide Welsh community’s expertise, experience, and willingness to invest can be harnessed to drive innovation and growth in Wales.

We will develop and implement a comprehensive Diaspora Strategy, promoting Wales as a place for diaspora entrepreneurs to invest and ensuring that recent emigrants are encouraged and incentivised to return.

The strategy will include:

  • Establishing a cross-sector Diaspora Task Force – bringing together business, academia, cultural institutions, and government to coordinate engagement, share best practice, and set priorities for diaspora collaboration.
  • Structured investment frameworks – creating clear, accessible pathways for the Global Welsh to invest in Welsh businesses, research, and regional development projects.
  • Expanding Welsh language and cultural resources – providing more digital and in-person opportunities to learn Welsh and engage with Welsh culture.
  • Promoting return and knowledge exchange programmes – supporting skilled emigrants to return to Wales, and facilitating short-term placements for diaspora professionals in Welsh institutions, startups, and research initiatives.
  • Developing on- and offline networks to connect Welsh people around the world with each other and with opportunities in Wales, including working with established diaspora organisations to deliver best outcomes.

New Leadership for Wales: read more