Transcending Technology – Michael J. Russell

The Chinese accomplishments in raising living standards for more than a billion people are prodigious, but they might not be permanent. They feature multiple internal contradictions that can lead to secession or serious internal unrest. Success also rests on an economic foundation of large, public subsidies to state enterprises that is not sustainable.

In the wake of the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti Tuesday afternoon, many concerned professionals from relief organizations and NGO’s are mobilizing to help. I’m especially proud that some of my friends and colleagues from the Crisis Camp DC community are leading the charge.

If you are a humanitarian assistance, international development, emergency response or other professional who is looking for opportunities to help, please join a conference call at 11:00 AM EST Wednesday, Jan. 13th.

The United Nations Foundation’s latest report — New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts: The Role of Information and Social Networks — looks at innovation in the use of technology along the timeline of crisis response, from emergency preparedness and alerts to recovery and rebuilding.