World Humanitarian Day – evening discussion

It will be chaired by RTÉ’s Charlie Bird, who reported from Haiti soon after the earthquake struck earlier this year.

This part of the day is limited to 50 people so advanced booking is required. For a place, please contact eimear.rigbyconcern.net by 5pm Wednesday. 

 The discussion will also feature, the following people.  

Will Devas  

Disaster risk reduction adviser with Concern, Will Devas will address the topical issue of the shrinking of humanitarian space in today’s world. What challenges does this present?

Roisin Gallagher

Concern’s desk officer for Haiti, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Roisin Gallagher will talk about the increasing urbanisation of extreme poverty in developing countries. She’ll also talk about working with local partners and being aware of cultural issues when working overseas.

Aine Fay

Concern’s emergency response team’s director, is just back from Haiti this week. Aine will discuss the post-disaster response and the situation in Haiti right now.

The session will conclude with some questions and answers. 

Greater need 

Ros O’Sullivan, Concern’s emergency response co-ordinator, commented on the key message of the day: 

This World Humanitarian Day event will mark the contribution of Irish aid workers to international humanitarianism and development and the incredible generosity of the Irish people who support such work. It will also highlight the fact that more people in the world are in need of humanitarian assistance than ever before, more often and with less resources available.