The Support Group Network advisory board holds inaugural meeting with EARLALL’s Director as Board Member
13/02/2025
On February 12, 2025, the Support Group Network (SGN) held the first meeting of its Advisory Board, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss the organization’s current work and future direction. Hosted by Bilal Almobarak from SGN, the meeting provided a platform for insightful discussions, feedback, and strategic planning.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of professionals:
- Teresa Sordé Martí, Professor of Sociology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
- Ole Guldahl, Residential College, Dalslands Folkhögskola
- Tomas Rydsmo, Västra Götaland region
- Adnan Abdul Ghani, representative from Save the Children Sweden
- Noelia Cantero, Director of EARLALL
- Bilal Almobarak, representing SGN as the meeting host
Their collective insights and experiences contributed to a rich exchange of ideas on how SGN can strengthen its initiatives and impact.
The first Advisory Board meeting covered several important topics, including an overview of SGN’s four key areas of action, which focus on the empowerment of young migrants and women, labour market integration, and the management of several EU- and nationally funded projects. Additionally, SGN is expanding its reach, establishing new branches in Germany and the Netherlands, further solidifying its presence in Europe.
A major priority for 2025 will be addressing the situation of Syrian nationals abroad. Recognizing the urgent needs of Syrian communities, SGN aims to support Syrian organizations by linking them with EU-based networks and institutions, fostering stronger cross-border collaboration. While Syria is a key focus, SGN’s mission remains deeply rooted in diversity—it is committed to supporting refugees from all backgrounds, serving as a bridge for skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities. This commitment aligns with the organization’s founding principles, established a decade ago.
The meeting also highlighted SGN’s core priorities for the year, which include:
- Changing the narrative on migration – Addressing and counteracting extreme right-wing rhetoric that fosters negative perceptions of migrants.
- Enhancing labor market inclusion – Supporting migrants in securing employment despite limited subsidies, while promoting self-employment, start-ups, and cooperativism as viable pathways to economic stability.
- Data-driven advocacy against hate speech – Gathering and leveraging data to highlight the contributions of migrants and challenge harmful stereotypes.
- Showcasing the added value of migrant organizations – Strengthening the visibility and recognition of migrant-led initiatives.
Additionally, SGN expressed its interest in expanding its international partnerships beyond Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands. The organization is open to signing cooperation agreements with like-minded organizations in other countries, as long as they uphold SGN’s principles of diversity and quality.
The Advisory Board will reconvene on May 26, 2025, to continue discussions and assess progress. The next meeting will build upon the insights shared in this session, with a focus on implementing suggestions and refining SGN’s strategic plans.
With a strong foundation for collaboration, SGN and its Advisory Board are committed to advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring lasting positive change in the communities they serve. For further information please visit https://supportgroup.se
