World Refugee Day presents an opportunity to reflect on the circumstances of displaced persons who do not have access to the world of convenience and opportunity provided by ICTs that so many people take for granted. Yet countless organizations are making extensive use of ICTs to positively impact the lives of refugees on the move and in camps all over the world, empowering and educating adults and children to equip them for their future, no matter how uncertain it may be. 

Beyond initial displacement, ICT and ICT skills are critical for the integration of refugees in host countries, not just to find a job and/or for education, but also for cultural life, which plays a major role in the integration process. Refugees also represent a huge untapped human capital as many are tech savvy with entrepreneurial skills and ICT knowhow that can benefit welcoming countries. This event will showcase some of the ways in which ICTs is improving refugee life as a basis for discussion and reflection.

• PROGRAMME - 20th June 2018

  Welcome and introduction:

  Julie Ward MEP and Steering Committee Member

  Speakers:

  Veronique de Leener, Founder and Director of MAKS vzw in Brussels

  Jenny Casswell, Insights Manager of 'Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Programme', GSMA

  Elie Ayoub, Chief of ICT Emergency Preparedness and Response, UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

  Mike Carter, Vice-President Operations at INMARSAT; Team Rubicon volunteer

  Exchange of views with participants

  (under the Chatham House rule)

  Closing remarks:

  Brando Benifei MEP and EIF Steering Committee Member