MAGPI is pleased to partner with Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3, Hampton Township School District, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and AlleghenyCONNECT to offer the International Student Summit: International Responses to Natural Disasters event on March 3rd, 2011. Participation in this live event is possible three ways: live at Hampton High School, via interactive videoconference or by watching the live webstream. MAGPI is providing technical support and international videoconference bridging and is partnering with the The Penn Video Network to provide live webstreaming for this exciting global student event.

Natural disasters are inevitable, unpredictable, and utterly devastating. The earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 was just one of a record number of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, typhoons, blizzards and landslides that caused major destruction around the world and resulted in $222 billion in economic losses. Earlier this year, major flooding in Australia submerged Brisbane. Severe weather resulting from climate change coupled with urbanization has increased the devastating effects of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.

What impact do natural disasters have at home and around the world? How can and should the international community respond? How can technology assist with disaster management? What can be learned from recent disasters, and how can public policy reflect those lessons learned?

The March 3rd event will feature a panel discussion with Anne C. Richard, Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy, International Rescue Committee (Washington, D.C.) and Dr. Louise Comfort, Professor and Director, Center for Disaster Management, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh. The panelists will share their perspectives on recent natural disasters, the response by the international community, and public policy implications. Following the panel there will be interactive breakout sessions facilitated by local experts in which students will discuss and analyze a natural disaster scenario and a debriefing session for groups to share their approaches to the scenario. "Last year, the utter devastation witnessed around the world due to natural disasters was shocking and this trend has continued in 2011. The International Student Summit will attempt to help students to understand how destruction can be mitigated through disaster planning as well as coordinated disaster response. This is especially important as the effects of natural disasters in one region of the world can affect the global economy and requires response from citizens half a world away. We are particularly excited to be working with MAGPI on this project, which will help us to connect schools across the United States and world to analyze and discuss how to respond to a disaster scenario" -- Amiena Mahsoob, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.

For more information about the program or to resister, please visit the program webpage at http://www.magpi.net/Community/Programs/International-Student-Summit-Int...