The world was unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the impact of SARS, MERS and Ebola in recent years. Since the onset of the pandemic, many questions have surfaced around how it could have been prevented, how it will be brought to an end, and how to avoid the next.
In the context of life beyond COVID-19, governments are absorbed by the present – providing resources to help people survive, supporting healthcare and keeping peace. Private businesses are largely distracted if not crippled. Most non-profits are stretched beyond their limits. There now lies a tremendous opportunity and necessity for philanthropists across the globe to embrace their catalytic potential and take the lead in ensuring the global community can better weather the current crisis and prepare for the next one.
This session offers a broad overview of philanthropic efforts to spur innovation in the US, MENA, and India to better manage or avoid another pandemic scenario. During this session, panellists will discuss how philanthropic endeavours in specific markets are supporting innovation for pandemic preparedness and prevention. Panellists will also highlight areas where there is still much to be done to safeguard the future.
Panellists will be experts in the field, principal philanthropists, or shall represent philanthropists, or have exposure to draw upon broad experience and interactions with philanthropists.
Session Objectives
- Provide an overview and insight into how philanthropists are supporting COVID-19 preparedness and prevention related innovation.
- Help participants understand what challenges, gaps, and opportunities exist in response to the ensuing pandemic scenario.
- Support donors in better understanding where and how to best direct their response, recovery, and prevention efforts in relation to need and impact.
- Allow the audience to share their current challenges and success stories via a live polling feature.