What can be done to help states deal with war and disaster?
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Experts will discuss the problems of rebuilding countries ravaged by war or disaster at a meeting at the University of Surrey. States such as Afghanistan and Haiti have provided sobering examples of the difficulties countries face after traumatic events. Securing a stable environment for the process of international development is crucial to recovery in such circumstances.
Specialists in international relations, stabilisation and post-conflict reconstruction will attend the “Responsibility to Rebuild” seminar at the University on June 18 and 19. The 'stabilisation' agenda is now a major priority for the UK government and the international community following the commitment of intervening governments to “Responsibility to Rebuild”, one of the three key elements of the 'Responsibility to Protect', adopted by the United Nations in 2005.
The aim is to establish links between academics; policymakers from different branches of government; the military and civilian practitioners from the armed services, the UN, and international organisations; and representatives from the private sector.
The workshop seeks to address three questions:
• How can the “Responsibility to Rebuild” be delivered in practice?
• What should international intervention post conflict or natural disaster look like?
• How can the different strands of physical infrastructure, governance, and civil society participation be woven together?
Dr Roberta Guerrina, head of the Politics Department and one the organisers of the seminar, commented: “This is an important and timely event that seeks to bring together experts and practitioners to talk about how to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time”
Confirmed speakers include: Prof Paul Rogers (University of Bradford) Prof Jennifer Welsh (University of Oxford), Prof Paul Williams (George Washington University) and Ms Elizabeth Mullings-Smith (Director of Maya Blue Ltd).
Registration fees are £120 for the two days or £65 for one day. For further details on the workshop, including registration details please contact Dr Monika Barthwal-Datta (m.barthwal-datta@surrey.ac.uk).
Media enquiries: Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: 01483 686141 or E-mail: h.wheeler@surrey.ac.uk
Notes to Editors:
The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life – helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as ‘The University for Jobs' which underlines the university’s growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.
Surrey is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience. www.1994group.ac.uk
Media Enquiries
Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk