As the use of technology, in particular mobile telephones and the Internet, becomes more widespread, approaches to humanitarian action are increasingly technology-orientated, with endless possibilities for innovation and improved effectiveness.

Local communities are now more engaged in humanitarian action than ever before with technology opening up clearer lines of communication between humanitarian organisations and affected communities. Individuals affected by crises or those on the ground in a crisis situation can provide critical information early on, with humanitarian organisations better able to match assistance needs.

This increase in technology-orientated approaches within humanitarian action has also seen a corresponding increase in risks, limitations and failures of technology. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in partnership with the Humanitarian Policy Group, are pleased to invite you to the launch of the World Disasters Report 2013: technology and humanitarian action, a balanced perspective between optimism and caution regarding the use of technology within humanitarian action. Speakers:

Patrick Vinck – Director, Program on Vulnerable Populations at the Harvard School of Public Health and Associate with the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI) and Editor, World Disasters Report 2013

Paul Conneally – Head, Communications and Partnership Promotion, International Telecommunication Union, United Nations

Emily Hough – Editor in Chief, Crisis Response Journal

Liz Hughes – Chief Executive, MapAction

Chair:

Mike Adamson – Managing Director of Operations, British Red Cross

Follow #DisasterReport on Twitter for live coverage.

Venue: Overseas Development Institute and streamed live online