Thursday, 05-21-2009

International Relief, Development, and Conservation in the Cloud

How have information and communications technologies affected the work of humanitarian agencies? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead? Is it possible that the sensible use of proven technologies could “change the game,” allowing humanitarian agencies the opportunity to end poverty and enhance conservation programs all over the world?

The World Affairs Council presents four Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in 150 countries. Each will give a unique perspective on opportunities and challenges in emergency response, conservation and international development based on years of experience working with information and communications technologies in the developing world.

The panel will help us understand the challenges of humanitarian work and allow us to hear from the experts on ways that information and communications technologies can make a difference. We will hear about funding challenges that are built into the system and what you can do about it, as well as “The Humanitarian Productivity Gap” and “The Tyranny of the Pie Chart.” Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about two of the biggest challenges facing the international relief, humanitarian, and conservation sectors as they work to fulfill their missions with the poorest of the poor in the most austere conditions imaginable.

A VIP reception will be held at 6:00pm at the MOHAI in advance of the public lecture at a cost of $40. The cost includes preferred seating and attendance at the public lecture to follow.

Co-sponsored by:
-KUOW
-Museum of History and Industry
-NetHope
-UW Center for Information and Society

Upon registration, you will be signed up for our bi-weekly newsletter, which provides updates on upcoming programs. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter please contact wac@world-affairs.org

The World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, non-profit organization which provides a forum for speakers representing diverse points of view. The opinions expressed by any and all speakers, presenters and/or guests at Council events are those of the speaker alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Affairs Council members, staff, Board of Trustees, or Advisory Council.