LIST's participation in the World Forum Convergences 2015

Published on 07/09/2015

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is participating in the Convergences World Forum organised from September 7-9, 2015 in Paris. This eighth edition focuses on the topic “Zero exclusion, zero carbon, zero poverty”, based on three pillars.

This Monday, September 7th, LIST took part in the first pillar entitled “The new Sustainable Development Goals: What next?” Our collaborators, Bertrand Meunier, Elie Daher and Luc Vandenabeele led a workshop entitled: “Innovation and crisis management: which technological innovations could be used to better manage humanitarian crises on the ground?”

Issues addressed by LIST

As part of their research activities for LIST’s IT for Innovative Services (ITIS) department, Bertrand, Elie and Luc addressed innovative topics related to the potential use of parametric modelling and the tangible table in the resolution of crisis or post-crisis management. A parametric model or concept is an IT representation that makes it possible to design objects by modelling their components with real-world behaviours and attributes; the tangible table therefore enables professionals to make better decisions by collaboratively interacting with physical objects in order to manipulate the digital information.

The interactive and engaging workshop gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas on how these innovations could accelerate action and decision-making on the ground during humanitarian crisis, to benefit affected populations. Also discussed was the way these innovations can highlight the innovative practices of user-oriented solutions, developed with the input of those affected according to their priority needs. Based on their experiences in the field, stakeholders in the humanitarian sector including Impact Initiatives, CarteOng.org and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees with its Innovation department actively took part in the discussions.

The points addressed during the workshop also highlighted the need to revisit the terms of collaboration of the different stakeholders involved in the humanitarian aid chain in crisis situations, and of breaking down the silos and encouraging cooperative practices in favour of the affected populations, not only to become more efficient but also to better manage donations from donating countries and companies in the private sector.

About Convergences

Launched in 2008, Convergences is the first platform for thought in Europe that aims at building new convergences between public, private, and solidarity-based actors to promote the Millennium Development Goals and to alleviate poverty and privation in developed and developing countries. More information on www.convergences.org.

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