Join us for a live written discussion with a panel of experts to deepen understanding of the role of business in tackling the coronavirus.
Live Panel
Thursday, 19 March, 11am-12pm EDT (3pm-4pm GMT/ 6pm-7pm EAT) [ADD TO CALENDAR ]
Background
On 11th March 2020, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. At time of writing, there are more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives. It is likely that many more countries will be affected, with particularly devastating impacts for countries with weak health systems, and for low-income populations across all countries. There is a mixed picture in terms of country and company readiness and multiple sources of information, some of which are not credible and adding to public confusion.
We are launching an urgent process across businesses to accelerate local action and support real-time best-practice learning across markets. The work will be led by Myriam Sidibe, renowned handwashing expert. The work will be anchored around the National Business Compact on COVID-19, a national business coalition campaign in Kenya.
The global knowledge-sharing process is being coordinated by Business Fights Poverty, in partnership with a growing coalition of business networks, including Business Partners for Sustainable Development (BPSD), an initiative of the United States Council for International Business, led by internationally-renowned public health expert, Scott Ratzan MD.
To find out more or how you can get involved, click here.
Questions
- What is the current situation, and the impact on business and others?
- What should be the immediate priorities for business, and what are some good practices?
- How can business partner with others to support immediate action, as well as longer-term resilience?
Format
This is a text-based discussion. There will be no video or audio. Please post your comments below. After the live session, this discussion will remain open, so please do continue to share your insights. To receive a free summary of this discussion afterwards, register here.
Panel
- Myriam Sidibe, Initiative Lead, Handwashing Expert, and Senior Fellow from the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School
- Liz Patterson, Head of Responsible and Inclusive Business, UK Department for International Development
- Zahid Torres-Rahman, Founder and CEO, Business Fights Poverty
- Scott Ratzan MD, internationally-renowned public health expert, Executive Director, Business Partners for Sustainable Development (BPSD), an initiative of USCIB and The USCIB Foundation.
- Siddarth Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator, Kenya
- Githinji Gitahi, CEO, Amref and lead for the National Business Coalition on Covid-19 Fund
- Sian White, Research Fellow, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Justin Apsey, Managing Director, Unilever, Kenya
- Ambassador Crispin Conroy, Permanent Observer to the UN, Geneva International Chamber of Commerce
- Matthias Thorns, Deputy Secretary-General, International Organization of Employers
- Ali Karami Ruiz, Senior Director for Strategic Engagement and Communications, Business, OECD
- Caroline Ashley, Head, Economic Justice, Oxfam GB
- Michael Michener, Vice President, Product Policy and Innovation, USCIB
- Catalina Garcia, Global Director of Corporate Affairs, AB InBev
Moderator: Katie Hyson, Director of Thought Leadership, Business Fights Poverty
How to participate
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