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David Miliband

Former Foreign Secretary heads panel discussion

David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee, is headlining an online panel discussion that is examining the impacts of COVID-19 on developing countries.

BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet is hosting the event on 2 July, that also features Waad al-Kateab, Dr Hamza al-Kateab, and Dr Weeda Mehran of the University of Exeter.

Waad al-Kateab made the film For Sama, which documented the life of her family during the siege of Aleppo. The film was nominated for BAFTAs and an OSCAR, and she now reports for Channel 4 News on COVID-19.  

Those who sign up for the event will be able to submit questions to the panel. It is likely the discussion will focus on areas of the world suffering from conflict, such as Syria. Alongside health, there will be an examination of the impacts of low oil prices, restrictions on the movement of people, decreased tourism, and a depressed export market.

The event will be held online by Agile Rabbit, a partner of the University of Exeter, which normally holds discussions at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Exeter. In this period, events have moved online attracting audiences from over 20 countries. Other upcoming events include a talk from a director of David Attenborough’s Dynasties series.

The organisation was co-founded by Dr Kate Baker, Research Fellow in the Centre for Water Systems, who said: "We’re so pleased to welcome the former Foreign Secretary to this event. With negative effects to our own lives, it’s easy to forget that the most adverse repercussions of the pandemic will be felt in other parts of the world. This event presents an unusual opportunity for members of the public to interact directly with a diverse panel of huge integrity and experience.”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Developing Countries (Online Event)

Thursday 2 July 2020, 1800 BST

Register at Agile-Rabbit.com

Date: 18 June 2020

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