WHFtalks Issue 9

Feraye Thumbnail

August 2020

Dear all,

It has been a year since the launch of inaugural WHFtalks. One year ago, on World Humanitarian Day, we started a mission and the journey was not easy. Despite the worsening humanitarian crisis, negative impacts on the international development agenda, and COVID-19, our mission became more relevant than ever with this statement in mind: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

We have had to adapt to the changes but WHF is stronger than ever, WHF Digital Series continues with great success, we have presented 8 webinars with more than 40 speakers, 8 podcasts and initiated WHFtalks.live featuring the leaders of the humanitarian and international development world in 3 months time. You can access the digital series through our website and YouTube Channel. WHF New York is launching next month as a celebration to the 75th anniversary of UN, WHF Davos will be launching in January 2021, the most inclusive and biggest ever convening will happen in May 2021 in London.

WHF has started membership and partner programmes, which are growing day by day.

Today with great pleasure, we present to you the 9th edition of WHFtalks, featuring 3 WHFtalks.live episodes and our outcome report of WHFwebinar on “Advancing Humanitarian Response through Space Technologies”. From examining systemic economic change because of climate change to improving women’s empowerment in the light of COVID 19, we are analysing solutions and challenges which will be further discussed at WHF New York and WHF London. On this 9th issue of WHFTalks, I have interviewed three inspirational leaders as part of WHFtalks.live, Mr. Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR, Baroness Uddin from the UK House of Lords, Ms. Lois Quam, President and CEO of Pathfinder International.

I would like to thank all of the contributors of WHFtalks since its first edition, our Advisory Board, Working Groups, our community, and the WHF team.

WHF continues to bring in leaders from multilateral organisations, NGOs, INGOs, governments and businesses to analyse issues of international importance.

I hope you enjoy this issue and we look forward to the many years to come.

Yours sincerely,

Feraye Ozfescioglu

CEO, WHF

WHF Talks.Live:

Mr Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, UNITAR

Mr Seth discusses the role of online training, education and capacity building along with challenges placed on education globally caused by the pandemic. Similarly Mr Seth also analyses how online learning enables for more flexible opportunities to students to advance their personal development, while keeping in mind the necessity to consider the digital divide.

WATCH HERE

WHF Talks.Live:

Ms Lois Quam, President and CEO of Pathfinder International

Ms Quam discussed the impacts of COVID-19 on women’s empowerment, specifically looking at sexual and reproductive rights and the great advancements in this area. Ms Quam highlights Pathfinder’s leadership which understands the communities that they serve with emphasis placed on the role of local leaders.

WATCH HERE

WHF Talks.Live:

Baroness Uddin, Member of the UK House of Lords

Baroness Uddin discusses the role of the UK House of Lords in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, the role of small organisations and how to improve support for small local organisations which have been severely affected by the pandemic.

WATCH HERE

WORKING PAPERS Webinar 7: Advancing Humanitarian Responses through Space Technology

Last month WHF hosted a webinar on space technology with thought leaders ranging from Liz Cox from the UK Space Agency, Dr Shirish Ravan from UNOOSA, Professor Thais Russomano from InnovaSpace - UK and Dr Ian Pearson, a futurologist. This report analyses the vast implications of space technology, from how space data can be used to predict natural disasters to future advancements in the field.

Jonathan Brooker

Director, Solidarites International UK, Global Head of Private Partnerships

Dianne Dain

UN Reboot Accelerator Lead Strategy, Policy and Governance Division

Tessy Antony - de Nassau

UNAIDS Ambassador

Update

SAVE THE DATE! See our latest news about our first hybrid event alongside the UN General-Assembly happening on 22-23 of September 2020

Special Announcement

The 2021 Inaugural Forum in Davos will deliver an opportunity to join policy makers and influence agendas in the era of the great reset

WHFtalks Issue 9

Welcome to WHF Talks 9!

WHF Talks.Live:

Mr Nikhil Seth, Executive Director, UNITAR

WHF Talks.Live:

Ms Lois Quam, President and CEO of Pathfinder International

WHF Talks.Live:

Baroness Uddin, Member of the UK House of Lords

Publication

WORKING PAPERS Webinar 7: Advancing Humanitarian Responses through Space Technology