Kilian Kleinschmidt: “Refugees: from Liability to Opportunity”, Friday April 15th, @5pm, Wolff Conference Room 1103D, 6 East 16 Street, 11th Floor

Join g​lobal n​etworker and h​umanitarian e​xpert Kilian Kleinschmidt for a discussion on ​how technology, innovation, and inclusion can reframe the discourse on refugees, ​current approaches to humanitarian relief, and refugee and migration management.

Following a 25 year UN career working in humanitarian relief in conflict areas around the world, Mr. ​Kleinschmidt founded the Innovation and​ Planning Agency (IPA) to foster the use of technology and sustainable management in refugee response and humanitarian relief. This approach emphasizes organized management of migration and treats refugees as agents with ambition.  In his most recent role as UNHCR Field Manager and ‘mayor’ of Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan, he worked to transform the camp into an environment that cultivates livelihoods, supports​ local initiatives, and fosters​ community in what evolved into a self-determined city.

​He will discuss his views on the IPA approach, the future of humanitarian relief, and the challenges facing the international system.

Friday April 15th, 5pm-6:30pm, Wolff Conference Room, 1103, 6 East 16 Street, 11th Floor

Kilian Kleinschmidt has over 25 years hands-on experience in international development, emergency response, resource mobilization, and political/regional cooperation in a wide range of organizations (UN, NGOs), countries and programs. Previous assignments include Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Deputy Representative for UNHCR in Kenya, Deputy to the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan. ​Most recently he has been involved with advising European governments and the EU on issues related to refugees and migration.

This event is cosponsored with the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School.