Connectivity, its presence, absence, and loss, has profound implications in crisis.This session will explore the key humanitarian considerationsstemming from connectivity and look at various connectivity as aid initiatives.

Detailed description and method

Panel and Q&A session drawing from ongoing GSMA ‘Connectivity in Crisis’ research,the new Connectivity for Refugees initiative,and insights from deployments from agencies/networks like the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, UNHCR and ICRC.

We envision apanel sessionwhich shares key lessons learned from research and recent deployments to set the scene. It would then take the shape of discussions and Q&A on connectivity as aid, which might address questions such as:

Lessons learned
Framing humanitarian connectivity in three ways: bridging coverage gaps;repairing lost connectivity; and mitigating the risks of technology-facilitated harms that stem from being connected during a crisis. Looking at humanitarian/TelConetwork expansion partnerships and the security of connectivity as aid services during live conflict.

Results and impact
The session will consider impact of connectivity [as aid]on affectedpeople related to protection, access to information, autonomy and agency,psychosocial wellbeing as well as access to humanitarian services.