2020 Conference: Disaster Risk Reduction, Response and Sustainable Reconstruction

Capacity Building for Equitable Planning and Development

November 8, 2020

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

University of Massachusetts Boston

Campus Center Ballroom

An event of the Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters (CRSCAD),McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston). Co-sponsored by the College of Advancing and Professional Studies.

In collaboration with a number of partners and other co-sponsors.

Conference Overview

Selected papers will be published in an edited book format after the conference.

Capacity building is critical to disaster preparedness, response and sustainable post-disaster reconstruction programs. Hence, the central aim of this conference is to provide a forum for a critical examination of the efficacy of national strategies for capacity building measures globally with a focus on cross- and multi-disciplinary training efforts, education (at all levels), and professional development. The conference will also explore what capacity building means since there is currently no agreed definition of the term. Conference outcomes should include policy and practical recommendations that would inform the development of long-term national strategies and approaches that address capacity building needs assessment and development for all the phases of disaster management.

Conference Themes

The conference would welcome presentations that address the following themes:

• Capacity building and investment in public health care systems around the world -- with a focus on Management Capacity in Ebola-Impacted Region
• Capacity Building Concepts
• Capacity Building for Risk and Disaster Management Systems Through the Use of Information and Communications Technologies
• Local and National Programs for Capacity Building of Architects, Engineers, Planners and Scientists in Natural Disaster Risk Management
• The roles of various agencies (multilateral, national, public, private, local government and communities, non-governmental) in capacity building for disaster management
• Capacity Building to Support Post-disaster Recovery and Reconstruction
• Case Studies of Capacity Building for Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Curricula of Colleges and Universities
• Public Education and Disaster Management
• International cooperation in Capacity Building for disaster management
• Planning, Policies and Practical Programs Which Propel Change Toward Energy Efficiency Projects
• Innovative Research and Development to Abate Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

Who should attend?

We welcome interdisciplinary approaches and proposals presented by emergency/disaster professionals, educators, scholars, researchers, governmental and NGO representatives, humanitarian organizations, scientists, multilateral organizations, architects, engineers, landscape architects and crisis mappers, planners (regional/city/urban/community/neighborhood/economic/social/) and allied professionals, representatives of funding agencies, private sector and not-for-profit agencies, and public policymakers.

Submission of Abstracts

• Abstracts will be accepted in English
• Abstracts (200 words); and, a Biographical sketch (150 words) should be sent as e-mail attachments (in Word format) to: [email protected]
• In the subject line of the e-mail, please write "CRSCAD NOVEMBER 2020 CONFERENCE"
• Deadline for the submission of abstracts – September 3, 2020
• Notification of acceptance of abstracts – Within ten days of receipt

Registration Fee: US $100.00
(Lunch on your own. A Food Court is available at the Campus Center)

This includes conference materials only. It does not include food, accommodation in Boston, airfare, or ground transportation. The fee should be paid (in US funds) by international money order, credit card, or a check drawn on a United States bank payable to the "University of Massachusetts Boston.

All participants are required to make their own individual hotel reservation and payment. We encourage you to book your accommodation in advance.

THE CONFERENCE IS FREE TO SELECT GROUPS! If you belong to one of the following groups, conference registration fees are waived during the registration process:

• US Government Employees (elected and non-elected officials at all levels – Federal, State, Local, City, Town, Municipal, Tribal, etc.)
• Military (veterans, active duty members, active guard and reserve, retired) - Have questions as to if you fall under this category, please send an email to [email protected].
• University of Massachusetts Boston faculty and staff
• Students

For attendees who are not presenting, you can pay up until the day of the conference.

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For disability-related accommodations, including dietary accommodations, please go towww.ada.umb.edu, two weeks before event date..

FAQs

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Guests are encouraged to take public transportation (JFK/UMass stop on the Red Line) or park at the UMass Boston Bayside Lot on Mt. Vernon Street. Free shuttle buses run directly to the Campus Center. Parking is $6. More info about getting here.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For further information about the conference, please email: [email protected] or call 617.287.7112

Are there ID requirements to enter the event?

Yes. ID is required at registration for a select group of attendees:

• US Government Employees (elected and non-elected officials at all levels – Federal, State, Local, City, Town, Municipal, Tribal, etc.)
• Military (veterans, active duty members, active guard and reserve, retired)
• University of Massachusetts Boston faculty and staff
• Students