Hacking Humanitarian Aid

Global Innovation Gathering (GIG)
re:publica 2016

Short thesis: 

Disaster relief and the aid industry must innovate dramatically to keep pace with technology, human needs and the speed and internationalization of commerce. Because innovation must come from all players, grassroots organizations can influence the process by bringing their “bottom up” brand of innovation to the problem. By building dynamic, collaborative, on-the-ground spaces in places where the population is in greatest need, a space is created where big aid can serve local needs more effectively than ever before.

Description: 

As technology, human needs and the pace and internationalization of commerce continues to evolve, so must the aid industry itself to truly benefit those affected and to maximize the resources and efforts of both the local and international aid community. Sam Bloch, Founder and Executive Director of Communitere, a relief organization currently operating Resource Centers in Haiti, the Philippines and Nepal, will offer insights into how the disaster relief and aid industry operates and how grassroots organizations can bring their “bottom up” brand of innovation to influence the pace and structure of change to ensure that meaningful aid and relief is brought to human populations in great need, including emerging populations experiencing displacement and the effects of disaster. In addition, he will show how offering a collaborative, on the ground space provides the opportunity for safe failure and why that space is essential for innovation to take place.

Stage 4
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 10:30 to 11:00
English
Talk
Beginner

Speakers

Founder and Executive Director