ISC Webinar Series
COVID-19, Climate Change, & Communities:
A Two-Part Conversation with Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the World Health Organization
As the global COVID-19 pandemic advances, communities, cities, and companies are experiencing health and economic impacts. But how do you adequately prepare when so much remains uncertain? How will the lasting ramifications of COVID-19 play out in different parts of the world? What should communities who are, and have been made, especially vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 be doing to counter it, and how can they best be supported? How do we ensure these communities are best equipped for resilience now and in the future?
The Institute for Sustainable Communities invites you to join us as we dig into these questions and more in a series of panel discussions featuring Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organization.
PART 1
Climate-Smart Recovery from COVID-19: Advancing a New Normal for India’s Cities & Industry
In Part 1 of ISC’s COVID-19, Climate Change, and Communities webinar series, Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organization and Nisha Desai Biswal of the U.S.-India Business Council discussed the impact of the pandemic on Indian businesses and communities and what is necessary for a people-centered, climate-smart recovery. They spoke about integrated approaches, the role of the private sector, a new leadership paradigm, and accountability for equitable solutions.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the World Health Organization
Dr. David Nabarro is a Special Envoy of the World Health Organization on COVID-19. He is a professor of global health at Imperial College, London, as well as a civil servant and diplomat. He directs the leadership mentoring organization 4SD (Skills, Systems, and Synergies for Sustainable Development). He served as special advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change and has broad expertise of the intersection between climate change and public health.
Nisha Desai Biswal, President of the U.S.-Indian Business Council and ISC Board Member
Nisha Desai Biswal is President of the U.S.-India Business Council – part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the largest bilateral trade association in the United States. Previously, Nisha served as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs from September 2013–January 2017, and as Assistant Administrator for Asia at USAID from September 2010.
Moderator
Brent Habig, Vice President of International Programs, Institute for Sustainable Communities
Brent Habig is ISC’s VP of International Programs. In this role, he works with country directors to develop ISC’s international strategy, vision, and program portfolio, while supporting ISC’s international sustainable manufacturing and urban portfolio. Brent has over 20 years of senior international development and management experience.
PART 2
Planning for a Just Recovery in U.S. Cities and Communities
In Part 2 of ISC’s COVID-19, Climate Change, and Communities webinar series, Dr. David Nabarro of the World Health Organization and Shamar Bibbins of the Kresge Foundation discussed the disproportionate impact of the virus on Black and Brown Americans and what is needed for a community-driven and equitable recovery. They spoke about strategies for building community capacity and shared how data, stories, and enlightened leadership are key to crafting successful solutions to our intersecting crises.
Meet the speakers
Dr. David Nabarro, Special Envoy of the World Health Organization
Dr. David Nabarro is a Special Envoy of the World Health Organization on COVID-19. He is a professor of global health at Imperial College, London, as well as a civil servant and diplomat. He directs the leadership mentoring organization 4SD (Skills, Systems, and Synergies for Sustainable Development). He served as special advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change and has broad expertise of the intersection between climate change and public health.
Shamar Bibbins, Senior Program Officer, The Kresge Foundation
Shamar Bibbins serves as a senior program officer for Environment at The Kresge Foundation, where her grantmaking supports policies and programs that help communities build resilience in the face of climate change. Shamar plays a lead role managing Kresge’s Climate Change, Health & Equity Initiative (CCHE). The national initiative is a partnership between Kresge’s Environment and Health programs to address the intersecting imperatives of accelerating action on climate change and reducing health disparities.
Moderator
Sarita Turner, Vice President of U.S. Programs, Institute for Sustainable Communities
Sarita Turner is ISC’s Vice President for U.S. Programs. In this role, she is responsible for designing and leading ISC’s U.S.-based programs which focus on building community, urban and regional resilience. The US programs emphasize strengthening equity and inclusion and Sarita is a key leader on advancing equity and inclusion through all of ISC’s internal systems and practices. Sarita has deep experience working with community-based organizations, city government, and a broad array of institutional partners to advance equitable solutions to the barriers and challenges facing many communities.