Natural Disasters Management Summit: Protecting lives - building resilience
Mr. Mikael Ribbenvik Cassar Addressed Forced Migration Due to Natural Disasters at The Economist Impact’s Summit
In recent times, the world has witnessed a surge in the impact of natural disasters, exacerbated by the looming climate crisis. This has thrust the question of how we respond to such crises into the global spotlight, demanding comprehensive strategies for safeguarding lives and reducing risks. This pivotal issue has become an integral part of the global discourse on the sustainability and resilience of our societies and economies.
The blurring line between natural and man-made disasters in the face of the climate crisis underscores the urgency of developing a cohesive strategy for effectively managing and mitigating the risks posed by natural hazards. Furthermore, factors like rapid urbanization, shifting demographics, advances in the construction industry, the pivotal role of big data and artificial intelligence, the contributions of volunteers, and the critical ethical and social considerations all find a place in this vital discussion.
This discussion is not limited to one segment of society; rather, it involves a wide array of stakeholders. Governments, international institutions, national civil protection authorities, healthcare providers, insurance organizations, the financial and business sectors, academics, experts, and, crucially, the voice of ordinary citizens, all play a pivotal role in shaping this strategy.
Within this context, our esteemed Member of the Advisory Committee, Mr. Mikael Ribbenvik Cassar, Chair of the EUAA Management Board and former Director General of the Swedish Migration Agency, spoke at The Economist Impact's recent Natural Disasters Management Summit on Sep 13th in Thessaloniki.
Alongside distinguished speakers Sofia Voultepsi, Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Greece; Laurent Alfonso, Senior Adviser for Civil Protection, Union for the Mediterranean; Achilleas Tzemos, General Director for Greece, Médecins Sans Frontières; and George Mitri, Professor of Environmental Sciences and Director of the Land and Natural Resources Program at the Institute of the Environment, University of Balamand, Lebanon, Mr. Cassar discussed 'Forced Migration Due to Natural Disasters,' focusing on climate change-induced displacements and environmental refugees.
The event was moderated by Alasdair Ross, who currently holds the position of Countries Editor for The Economist's “The World Ahead” and serves on the board of The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Watch Mikael Ribbenvik Cassar’s full speech on forced migration due to natural disasters here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0PkePqgZOs
