As the United Nations Development Programme works to eliminate poverty globally, it warns that brain drain could "rob the future of the poorest countries." Expertise is essential for the progress of all countries, particularly in the Global South where brain drain continues to deplete nations like Haiti of vital talent and knowledge.

Each year, fewer than 10,000 young Haitians graduate from college domestically, and a staggering 85% of them emigrate, taking with them crucial skills in fields such as economics, education, the environment, business, politics, and technology. This mass departure undermines national development by weakening the workforce, stalling economic growth, eroding the middle class, and widening the wealth gap. As public systems break down, even more citizens are driven to seek opportunities abroad, fueling a cycle of underdevelopment and poverty. Reversing this trend requires more than expanding access to education—it demands a long-term commitment to civic engagement, leadership development, and the creation of opportunities that encourage educated Haitians to stay and help build a stronger, more equitable society at home.