In recent years, typhoons have struck the Philippines and Vanuatu; earthquakes have rocked Haiti, Pakistan, and Nepal; floods have swept through Pakistan and Mozambique; droughts have hit Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia; and more. All led to loss of life and loss of livelihoods. Responses were often late, underfunded and poorly coordinated, and recovery will take years. One of the likely effects of climate change is to increase the likelihood of the type of extreme weather events that seems to cause these disasters. Do extreme events have to turn into disasters with huge loss of lives and suffering? Can we learn from insurance and use innovative risk financing instruments to improve our responses?

This event brings together humanitarian and development thinkers, policy makers and practitioners, as well insurance experts to debate the risks and opportunities from using new financing mechanisms.

Speakers and panelists:

• Sufian Ahmed, Senior Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ethiopia
• Owen Barder, Vice President and Director for Europe, Centre for Global Development
• Daniel J. Clarke, Government Actuary’s Department, UK
• Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy, Blavatnik School and Chief Economist, UK Department for International Development (DFID)
• Rowan Douglas, CEO, Capital, Science & Policy Practice, Willis Group Limited
• Debbie Hillier, Senior Humanitarian Policy Advisor, Oxfam