Aid to Developing Countries: The Importance of the Human Factor

A presentation of new trends and best practices

A presentation by Amb. Oscar DE ROJAS, Former Director, U.N. Financing for Development Office, and Ms. Jackie ALDRETTE, Program Manager, AVSI-USA, Inc.

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center, AVSI-USA, Inc., and the World Youth Alliance

Aid to developing countries involves an enormous amount of financial and human resources, both in the private and public sector, because it touches on a fundamental aspect that, in various degrees, is common to all of us: the desire and the impetus to help those in need. The personal, social, and political sphere is affected by this topic. Who has never felt compelled to donate “something” (money, time, energy) to support people in other parts of the world who are in need? At the same time, who doesn’t wonder about the effectiveness of the use of the resources that have been donated?

In front of often disappointing results, a strong debate among experts is currently taking place about the effectiveness of international aid and the type of principles and guidelines which are at the foundation of development. Any axiomatic approach which does not integrate the complexity of the context and the human factors of those providing and receiving help, is now under scrutiny. The purpose of the event is to document the terms of this debate and the new trends which are emerging from it, and to present a case study, that of AVSI in Brazil, which is a successful example of a more integrated approach.

The event is open to the public and free of charge.

About this Event

Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Church of the Holy Family Auditorium
315 East 47th Street ( btw. 1st and 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
map

About the Speakers

Amb. Oscar de Rojas
Former Director, U.N. Financing for Development Office

Ms. Jackie Aldrette
Program Manager, AVSI-USA, Inc.

Invitation

Download here

Transcipt and PowerPoint

Read Amb. de Rojas's intervention View the AVSI Slideshow on Urban Upgrading in Brazil

Video

Part I PART II - Q & A

Article of Interest

Read "At the Root of Development" by Giorgio Vittadini

Photos - click on image below