Global Diaspora Village
23rd July - 2nd Aug. Showcase, Glasgow

Heart for the City presents the Global Diaspora Village as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, creating opportunities for countries to showcase their
culture, tourism, and business potential.

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Our Vision & Objectives

The Global Diaspora Village (GDV) 2026 is a high-impact platform for trade, investment, and global engagement, connecting governments, businesses, investors, and diaspora leaders across a multi-site, immersive experience. It aims to create a dynamic, multi-functional space that celebrates the richness of diaspora communities while offering a high-impact platform for:

International trade and investment
Cultural and artistic expression
Tourism promotion
Faith-based engagement
Strategic networking and partnerships

The GDV will serve as a bridge between nations, businesses, and communities- fostering collaboration and showcasing the best of the Commonwealth’s global diaspora.

THE GLOBAL DIASPORA VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

At a Glance

Prime locations: Bargeddie Estate & Showcase Coatbridge
1,000+ daily capacity at the Amphitheatre
Global audience across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia & the Commonwealth
Direct access to decision-makers and partners

The Amphitheatre: Day & Night

Day: Trade shows, country pavilions, business showcases, panels & networking
Evening: Cultural performances, themed diaspora nights, global cuisine, faith & worship spaces

Showcase Coatbridge: Knowledge & Deals

Executive masterclasses with higher learning recognition
Investor meetings, workshops, seminars, and academic collaborations

🎓 Flagship Graduation
1 August, 2026

Recognising participants of higher learning programmes, in partnership with key universities in Glasgow- a prestigious celebration of leadership and global talent.

Exclusive Sponsorship: Premium branding, stage recognition, and association with excellence.

The Green Apple Environment Awards:

In partnership with The Green Organisation, the Global Diaspora Village will host the Green Apple Environment Awards at the GDV, recognising outstanding environmental excellence across governments, businesses, and communities. Every carbon footprint is offset through tree planting with the UN Green Earth Appeal, making this one of the event’s signature highlights.

Our Vision

Celebrating culture, sports, trade and tourism at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Heart for the City has identified the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a great opportunity to promote various African, Asian & Caribbean countries that seek to showcase their products, market their countries and attract skills and investors.

We are setting up a state-of-the-art Diaspora Mini Village in close proximity to most of the Commonwealth Games venues. Each country will have its own outdoor/indoor Pavilion space (circa 250 sq meters).

The Village will offer visitors very high quality corporate hospitality and the platform to promote their own Countries’ Tourism & Business investment initiatives.

Our Arms

We are comprised of three major arms

A Glasgow-rooted charity with global arms focused on community transformation, Heart for the City brings decades of experience in urban outreach, youth engagement, and faith-based development. Working with local communities and the vulnerable for over 23 years.

A new Christian movement committed to spiritual renewal across Scotland. Fire for Scotland will lead the faith programming at GDV, offering prayer spaces, worship events, and interfaith dialogue.

The Proximity Point Group of Companies brings together significant commercial and industrial enterprises in multiple sectors ranging from agribusiness, real estate, education, and finance – and will be leading business, investment and networking forums during the GDV.

Testimonials from the Global Diaspora Village
(GDV) 2014

Participating in Global Diaspora Village in Scotland was a remarkable opportunity for our country. Showcasing our tourism, culture, and investment potential on giant screens and through our exhibition stand gave us incredible visibility during the Commonwealth Games period. The games were impressive, the audience was diverse, and the organisation was seamless. It truly amplified our international presence - Ghana

This was a great opportunity for MKU to interact with other Scottish and UK Universities. We now have a Scottish Chancellor and Ambassador for our University. This has made our universities improve in quality assurance, joint grants for the British council and global research institutions. We have concluded outstanding agricultural research on pest control and we are now a significant partner of the Centre of African Research in Economic and Enterprise Development. All as a result of being a Gold Sponsor for Commonwealth games - GDV 2014,

This platform was more than an exhibition - it was a bridge between diaspora communities, businesses, and international markets. Our products received outstanding exposure both on the big screens and at our beautifully managed stand. The strategic location during the Commonwealth Games period meant we connected with decision-makers, buyers, and media we would not have reached otherwise.”

Host City - Glasgow

Glasgow is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities rich in culture, history, and innovation. Known for its architecture, music, and hospitality, it is a natural host for global events. The Commonwealth Games in 2014 drew over 690,000 ticketed spectators and generated an estimated £740 million for Scotland’s economy.

In 2026, the Games return to Glasgow, promising even greater international attention, tourism, and economic activity. The Global Diaspora Village will be strategically located within minutes of major sporting venues, offering visitors a seamless experience between athletic excellence and cultural celebration.

Global Diaspora Village23rd July - 2nd Aug. Showcase, Glasgow

Heart for the City presents the Global Diaspora Village as part of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, creating opportunities for countries to showcase their culture, tourism, and business potential.