Harnessing Technology for Refugees

By the end of 2017, people forced from their homes and communities reached 68.5 million, of whom 25.4 million are refugees while 40 million are internally displaced.  They are among those at risk of being left behind, whose lives and future depend a great deal on conditions and prospects in host countries or communities. About 85% of refugees are hosted in developing countries already facing a range of development challenges, and most do not live in camps; about 80% of refugees and 60% of the internally displaced live in urban areas or cities, posing sustainable development pressures as well as growth opportunities to local governments and communities.

This Thematic Workshop will explore how technology can be harnessed to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations aligning with the Sustainability Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda

Objectives

- Deepen understanding of today’s key issues and trends related to forced displacement, with a focus on those that can be addressed with the use of technology, ex blockchain

- Enhance knowledge of efforts around the world with case studies 

- Advance discussions on innovation across agencies and explore recommendations for enhancing partnership and collaboration 

Proposed Programme
- Welcome and introduction of panellists
- Setting the Stage [The development imperative, refugees/forcibly displaced/etc., LNOB, role of tech, including key issues and trends]
- Deep dive on key issues and trends, with examples and case studies framing the urgencies 
- Discussions on opportunities and challenges, with a view of raising recommendations for potential efforts 
- Conclusions and resume of key points rising from session
- Close and network linking