WGS 2018: Panelists Explore Cyber Dimensions Of Humanitarian Actions In Cities And Importance Of Collaboration Between Government, Private Sector

Humanitarian experts and industry leaders participated in a panel discussion on the cyber dimensions of humanitarian actions in cities as part of the Global Policy Platform segment on the inaugural day of the sixth World Government Summit (WGS 2018) in Dubai.

Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, chaired the session. Panelists included Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mark Lowcock, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Kristin Bergtora Sandvik, Research Professor in Humanitarian Studies at the Peace Research Institute Oslo.

The panel discussed how new technologies are driving change among humanitarians and creating transformative opportunities to effectively provide relief during crisis.

Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy said: “We are living in a challenging environment for communities around the world. We need to focus on long-term development. Humanitarian crises have a better chance of getting out of the crisis zone if there is a long-term perspective. Whilst this digital age brings challenges, it’s important to remember that it also brings opportunities – to introduce new formulae and strategies.”

During the session, Her Excellency stressed the growing role of modern technologies in increasing the effectiveness of the response to humanitarian crises, particularly in cities and countries that witness domestic conflicts, where conventional working methods are difficult to implement. This requires humanitarian organizations to regulate and adjust their approach to new technology and data management, including using crowd-sourcing and satellite imagery that have become essential tools in humanitarian response. In addition, they need to integrate emerging concepts that leverage cyber technology.

For his part, Peter Maurer highlighted some of the key challenges and opportunities associated with the digitalization of humanitarian relief efforts. He outlined three major developments that are shaping relief programs today – urbanization, digitalization as well as the movement of conflicts and crises into virtual and digital environments.