Disaster Relief As Diplomacy in the Post-9/11 World

September 11, 2008  -  Boston International — in conjunction with the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Program (Harvard Kennedy School), Health in Practice (Harvard School of Public Health), Physicians for Human Rights (Harvard Medical School), Students for Global Health (Harvard Medical School), Management & Diplomacy for Global Health (Fletcher School), International Development Club (Fletcher School) , and Asia Club (Fletcher School) – presents an exclusive panel on disaster relief and its role in US foreign relations.

September 11th opened America’s eyes to the need for effective disaster management. To commemorate the 7th anniversary of that devastating day, Boston International put together a distinguished panel to discuss the lessons the United States has learned and should have learned about disaster relief, both domestically and abroad.

The discussion featured a panel of world-renowned experts on the interface of disaster management and diplomacy.

Panel:

  • Dr. Greg Ciottone – Chair of the Disaster Medicine Section, Harvard Medical School
  • Dr. Michael VanRooyen – Associate Professor in the Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health
  • David Campbell – Director of Hands On Disaster Response

Moderated by: Dr. David Callaway – Medical Director of Emergency Management at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

The panel focused on the American responses to disasters since 9/11, including terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Chinese earthquake. The panelists evaluated those efforts and discuss their visions of more ideal American strategies for relief efforts, including what humanitarian aid the US should consider for victims of the conflict in Georgia. They examined disaster relief from the perspective of a broad range of policy issues and goals, and discussed how relief efforts can advance an American agenda worldwide. In addition, the panelists highlighted how individuals have contributed to these efforts in the past and how they can make a difference in the future.

The floor was open for questions after the presentation, and a cocktail reception followed, giving attendees a great chance to meet the panelists and mingle with other Boston International members.

 

Pictures

 

Thanks

We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration Program at Harvard Kennedy School for their financial co-sponsorship of this event and for providing us with space at the Kennedy School for this event. Click here for more information on the program.

Sincere thanks are also due to our other co-sponors: Health in Practice (Harvard School of Public Health), Physicians for Human Rights (Harvard Medical School), Students for Global Health (Harvard Medical School), Management & Diplomacy for Global Health (Fletcher School), International Development Club (Fletcher School), and Asia Club (Fletcher School).