As the use of technology, in particular mobile telephones and the Internet, becomes more widespread, approaches to humanitarian action are increasingly technology-orientated, with endless possibilities for innovation and improved effectiveness. 

Local communities are now more engaged in humanitarian action than ever before, with technology opening up clearer lines of communication between humanitarian organisations and affected communities. Individuals affected by crises or those on the ground in a crisis situation can provide critical information early on, with humanitarian organisations better able to match assistance needs. 

This rise in technology-orientated approaches has also seen a corresponding increase in risks, limitations and failures of technology in humanitarian contexts. The British Red Cross, in partnership with the Humanitarian Policy Group, invite you to the launch of the World Disasters Report 2013: technology and humanitarian action, a balanced perspective between optimism and caution regarding the use of technology in humanitarian crises.

To register for this event please visit the event webpage. You can also follow #DisastersReport on Twitter for live coverage. 

Chair: 

Adrian Thomas – Head of External Relations, British Red Cross

Speakers:

Patrick Vinck – Director, Program on Vulnerable Populations at the Harvard School of Public Health, Associate, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and Editor, World Disasters Report 2013 

Paul Conneally – Head, Communications and Partnership Promotion, International Telecommunication Union, United Nations 

Emily Hough – Editor in Chief, Crisis Response Journal