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Is Vision Enough?
What can we expect over the next 20 years
from the African Diaspora?
When : 5th May, 2017 : 18.30 - 21.00 Where : School of Oriental and African Science, London What : This event is being run by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), in partnership with the Centre of African Studies (CAS) SOAS, Two African pioneers in the field of diaspora and migration, Gibril Faal OBE and Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie MBE will be in conversation, exploring what two decades of collaboration around "diasporas for development" has achieved. More information and to registerEnquiries to Elvina Quaisonat
Meet the new Secretary-General of the United Nations
When : 10th May, 2017 : 13.00 - 15.00 Where : Central Hall, Westminster, London What : The United Nations Association (UK) is hosting the first major public speech in the UK by Antōnio Guterres, the new Secretary-General of the United Nation.
Mr Guterres took office on 1 January this year, following the most transparent selection process in UN history, which UNA-UK campaigned to achieve. Prior to his appointment, he served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (2005–2015), earning a reputation for speaking truth to power, and as Prime Minister of Portugal (1995–2002), during which time he was heavily involved in the international effort to resolve the crisis in East Timor.
He takes up the UN’s reins at a time of growing global instability, when many have lost confidence in political leadership and institutions. Having witnessed firsthand the suffering in refugee camps and war zones, he is determined to make human dignity the core of his work, and to serve as a peace broker, a bridge-builder and a promoter of reform and innovation.
More information and to book a place.
Refugees: are jobs the answer?
When : 11th May, 2017 : 17.00 - 18.30 Where : Overseas Development Institute, London Web : This event will be streamed and can be joined on lineWhat : Nearly 90% of the world’s refugees are hosted in countries that neighbour their homeland. Many governments rely on the humanitarian aid system to support refugees, and restrict refugees participation in the labour market. This restriction has, for many, led to an erosion of skills and aspirations, and has exacerbated feelings of alienation and hopelessness, which can lead some to attempt onward, often more dangerous, migration. Some important innovations are currently underway to address this problem. They includes the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) – areas where business and trade laws differ from the rest of the country in order to attract trade, investment and, therefore, jobs. Refugees could be given the right to work within those zones and contribute to the economy of the host country. But not everyone agrees that SEZs can address the problems facing the world’s refugees. Firstly, there is the potential for exploitative and low-wage labour which is unmatched to the skills, aspirations and needs of refugees. Secondly, a focus on ‘jobs’ may distract governments from the pressing need to provide protection for those fleeing conflict, persecution and human rights abuses. More information and to apply.
Ice and Sea : Culture and Geography
When : 11th May, 2017 : 14.00 - 18.00 Where : Birkbeck College, 10 Gower Street, London WC1E 7HX What : Speakers at this event run by the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research include Esther Leslie, Klaus Dodds, Susan Schuppli and Stephanie Jones (Associate Professor and Co-director of Programmes, in the Department of Humanities, University of Southampton.)
Esther Leslie (Birkbeck College) and Klaus Dodds (Royal Holloway) introduce their recent and forthcoming books for Reaktion on Liquid Crystals and Ice, respectively. Taking Caspar David Friedrich's Sea of Ice as a motif of both catastrophe and loss, as well as movement and human activity under industrial capitalism, the workshop will explore and debate the culture and geography of the globe’s melting ice mass and its effects on the world’s oceans.
The discussion will be widened by responses from Susan Schuppli (Goldsmiths) and Stephanie Jones (Southampton).
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Beyond Ideologies : China's Experience in Confronting the Global Environmental Crisis
When : 11th May, 2017 : 18.00 - 20.00
Where : Brunei Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental and African Sciences
China is not only the largest consumer of fossil fuel and emitter of greenhouse gases but also a leading investor in and producer of sustainable energy. China occupies a pivotal place in the global efforts to confront the environmental challenges.
China’s case highlights starkly the dilemma between choosing fast development and growth on the one hand and sustainability on the other.
Donald Trump, is sceptical of climate change and unwilling to take a leading role in the search for solutions. China's role in the future is, therefore, even more important.
Focusing on China’s experience and approach, this debate seeks to use the case of China to enable us reflect on what the key issues are in confronting environment challenges.
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To register
Preventable Catastrophes: The International Response to Humanitarian Crises and Famine
When : 12th May, 2017 : 13.00 - 14.00
Where : Chatham House, London
What : United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, will outline the challenges ahead for Yemen, South Sudan, North East Nigeria and Somaliaand the necessary steps the international community must take to prevent further suffering. He will present the UN’s coordinated long-term plan and propose durable solutions to prevent further conflict in these four nations while helping to avert the humanitarian crises.
More information and to register and interest
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