In May 2016, the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), an initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, will host a global discussion on humanitarian action to find better ways to meet the needs of people in the face of conflict and disaster. One particular area of focus is how an urbanising world is affecting how we prepare for and respond to emergencies.

In advance of this historic event, the UN is convening policy makers, philanthropists, and influences for a discussion entitled City Haven: People on the Move/Harbouring the Displaced on the 18th of February 2016 (15.00 – 17.00) at the Conference Room 2, United Nations Headquarters in New York.

People displaced by disaster or conflict, increasingly seek a safe haven and a new life in cities. Images of large-scale refugee camps still dominate the public image. Mayors all over the world have stepped up to the challenge.

The panel consists of David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee; Aisa Kacyira, Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat; Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director for Climate Policy and Programs in the Office of the Mayor of New York; and moderated by Miriam Elder, Foreign Editor of Buzzfeed.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations and UN-Habitat, with additional support from the International Rescue Committee.

We look forward to your participation and your contributions.

Our preferred hashtag is: #CityHaven

FAQs

Q:What if I do not have a UN ground pass?

A: After you finish your registeration, please submit an email request that includes your full name and contact details to unhabitatnewyork@gmail.com. On the day of the event, we will have staff standing outside the UN entrance on 46th Street to hand in you a security pass to enter the UN for our event. Remember to bring a government-issued photographic ID with you (i.e passport, driving licence), our staff will have to check your ID against our records before we can issue you a security pass.