UNAAV Events
#CASHISBEST – Humanitarian Aid Panel Discussion
Handbags, high heels, woollen knitwear and skis were sent to Vanuatu in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015 – very little of which could be used by a country desperately needing international assistance.
In fact, of the 70 shipping containers of Unsolicited Bilateral Donations (UBDs) sent to Vanuatu, some 18 of these were still on wharves 10 months later and had, by then, accumulated $US1.5 million of storage, handling and container rental fees. **
Humanitarian agencies are now working to educate governments, corporate and philanthropic donors and the general public that a Cash is Best approach is best when giving aid to disaster zones.
Come along and join this discussion about humanitarian aid and what is being done to ensure we all react appropriately when we see people in need in Australia and around the world.
Panellists
Natasha Freeman, Head of International Operational Support, Australian Red Cross
Gerard Finnegan, IKEA Foundation Humanitarian Leadership Scholar, Deakin University
Jess Lees, Leader, Humanitarian Advisory Group
Shruti Verma, Deakin University postgraduate student and Bendigo Bank Community Branch member (MC)
Tickets (include a glass of wine)
$25 General admission
$20 UNAA Victoria/Melbourne Athenaeum Library member