Thanks for your feedback, Russell. I have passed your comments on to the author and asked him to revert to you directly (you don't need me as an intermediary).
I'm not sure if my views on 'the social utility of cash' are of interest to the entire D-Group (apologies if not) but there are a couple of points which may be relevant. I make them as a 'disaster risk management' professional rather than as a cash or markets expert:
1. I am presenting a paper to the ATM Industry Association on 9th February about 'The Role of the ATM in reducing disaster risk'. I have blogged the main points which can be found here: https://disasterwise.org/blog/f/the-role-of-the-atm-in-disaster-risk-reduction In my view, they come don to four main pathways: Resilience, Economic Recovery, Social Cohesion, and Poverty Reduction
1. I'm not convinced that the 'humanitarian-industrial business' (Samantha Powell's words from USAID at Davos yesterday, not mine) fully appreciates the political-economic implications of cash transfers (or vouchers) in a crisis setting. You would seem to agree. Yes, the risks of doing real 'digital harm' in the humanitarian space are enormous and long-lasting. But first, as Vogel et al suggests, we have to understand two particular socio-economic aspects:
a) Where do the local economic multiplier effects of cash accrue, and is it the same for digital transfers as for cash-in-hand? Is 87% of the 'added value' referred to by Vogel et al retained by local merchants and landlords or does it accumulate further away in Capitals and in the bank accounts of App developers in California and Lagos? (I find our industry's think-pieces on this topic -- particularly WFP's -- simplistic, even disingenuous);
b) Why do 90%+ of electronic cash transfer recipients convert their digital money to physical currency (banknotes) -- usually in full -- at the first available opportunity? This 'inconvenient truth' seems to evade any rigorous risk analysis by The World Bank (C-GAP) or members of the Better Than Cash Alliance (including CRS, FCDO and BMGF). Is this because of vested interests, our collective inability to change our ways of working, or do we simply not know? Anyway, is it even true?
Both these questions point to the need for more academic research.
Either that, or I just haven't seen the research out there ... in which case, I think we would all benefit from seeing it, especially in a world growing more jaded and disillusioned by societal inequity by the minute. THAT's the real risk here ... we lose trust in it all.
All the Best
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*) - *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University - *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org <https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">) - *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org) - *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com) - *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no responsibility for any such transmission.
On Thu, 19 Jan 2023 at 09:33, [Hidden email] < [Hidden email]
Jan. 19, 2023,
9:33 a.m.
[Hidden email]
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing this piece and drawing attention to this topic, especially as it relates to the humanitarian sphere. It does raise some interesting and relevant points for CVA and market-based programming. One that stood out was,
"Since the pace of digitization will only increase in the face of further technological innovation in payment systems, the question then becomes how to address these drawbacks, and how to preserve the social role of money."
From a programming and operations standpoint, this directly relates to how we design programs, engage with market actors, and procure/deliver services. As Dissaux rightly says, digitalization generally offers better cost-efficiency, but it may not be in line with cultural or social preferences.
How can organizations be cognizant of this when, for example, they procure financial services for cash assistance? When a common procurement objective is achieving best value for money, then presumably the FSP who has the lowest cost and most compliant offer will win the tender - so as long as they satisfy the scope of works. This, in turn, puts a lot of emphasis on detailing the needs and the context before going to the market - something that's not always easy to do when agility is desired. To pull from the ongoing discussions with localization, it does emphasize the need to understand local societal norms.
There is another well-written paper which addresses this issue with respect to CVA (Open Access): Vogel, B., Tschunkert, K. and Schläpfer, I. (2022). The social meaning of money: multidimensional implications of humanitarian cash and voucher assistance. Disasters, 46: 348-370. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/disa.12478
They present an interesting argument that market-based interventions can potentially change local dynamics and relationships among community members (e.g., host community and incoming population receiving assistance). It questions how practitioners can be more aware of the socio-economic factors in areas of implementation and incorporate this into the decision-making process to reduce the likelihood of cash programmes reinforcing social inequalities or friction among groups.
It seems that there has been some work has been done on this, in terms of trying to mitigate risks presented by digital technologies. Jo Burton of the ICRC authored an important piece on this as well (Open Access):
Burton, J. (2021). "Doing no harm" in the digital age: What the digitalization of cash means for humanitarian action. International Review of the Red Cross, No. 913. https://international-review.icrc.org/articles/doing-no-harm-digitalization-of-cash-humanitarian-action-913
Also related to technology in humanitarian operations in general, but more focused on data collection and management (Open Access): Dette, R. (2018). Do No Digital Harm: Mitigating Technology Risks in Humanitarian Contexts. In: Hostettler, S., Najih Besson, S., Bolay, JC. (eds) Technologies for Development. UNESCO 2016. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91068-0_2
I may also recommend the book The Social Meaning of Money: Pin Money, Paychecks, Poor Relief, and Other Currencies by Viviana Zelizer. It breaks down the idea of money and fungibility from a social standpoint. Basically, if "a dollar is a dollar is a dollar", then it would not matter which form it came in. But Zelizer argues that this assumption does not allow us to fully understand the underpinnings of our economic choices as individuals - and how they impact our relationships with society and others.
So how can the social meaning of money be better incorporated into programming and decision making? Especially as digitalization keeps marching forward - how do we differentiate between operational and social feasibility? How does the form of funds impact the recipients of the funds? Many questions - would be great to hear your thoughts and from others as well.
Again - thanks James for bringing this up. Happy to discuss further and explore this idea in a further conversation.
As it's a new year for most, here is a single opinion paper that you might find relevant for your cash and markets-based policy-making and programming rather than a collection.
It's on its own for four reasons: First, it is, in my view, a long overdue piece of work; second, although an opinion piece, iit comes from Axa; third, it represents a prevalent point of view that we don't seem to discuss much; and fourth, it's coming for the first time from my new blog *Disasterwise.org*
*Dissaux: The Social Role of Money in an Age of Digitalization; Axa Research Fund - Building Societal Resilience, The Role of Inclusion in a Fragmented World. Chapter 1 p.24-26, November 2022*
*Abstract*: The digitalization of money and the move towards a cashless society brings significant efficiency gains. However, it also has a perverse impact on social cohesion and financial inclusion: as the scales tip further toward digital currencies, the payment system becomes more a private good than a public one â and one that risks leaving the most vulnerable behind, especially in low-income countries. Monetary systems are not just technical in nature, but embody shared values, legitimacy, and societal trust. Their functionality is vital for fiscal stabilisation and societal resilience, especially in times of crisis.
I'd love to hear what you think about this article ... and anything else on Disasterwise, for that matter (but please bear in mind that it's still in beta mode).
In the meantime, don't forget that a wide perspective on issues connected with 'cash & crises' -- including podcasts and videographics produced by the private sector with the aid community in mind -- can always be found at https://cashessentials.org/cash-crises/
Regards to All and have a SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR where relevant.
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*) - *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University - *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org <https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">) - *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org) - *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com) - *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no responsibility for any such transmission. </https:></https:></https:>
Dec. 7, 2022,
10:41 p.m.
James Shepherd-Barron
Dear fellow CaLPers and MiCers.
Here are recent highlights from academic and cash management industry sources that you might find relevant for your cash and markets-based policy-making and programming.
With thanks to Prof. Batiz-Lazo of Northumbria University, the NEP Project, Currency News International, The Payments Journal, Cash & Payments News, ATM Marketplace and Payments Afrika.
For a wider perspective on Cash and Crises, including podcasts and videographics produced with the aid community in mind, see: https://cashessentials.org/cash-crises/
*Ablam Estel Apeti: Household welfare in the digital age - Assessing the effect of mobile money on household consumption volatility in developing countries. World Development, Elsevier, 2022, 161, pp.106110. ff10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106110ff. ffhal-03819779f*
Mobile money increases household consumption expenditures, food security and per capita consumption. Countries with mobile money exhibit lower consumption volatility, with the key drivers of mobile money's stabilizing effect being financial inclusion and migrant remittances.
*Blumenstock et al: Violence and financial decisions: evidence from mobile money in Afghanistan; LSE Research Online, 20 November 2022*
We provide evidence that violence reduces the adoption and use of mobile money in three separate empirical settings in Afghanistan. First, we spatially merge nationwide administrative data on 96,000 violent events with the universe of mobile money transactions and find that users exposed to nearby violence reduce their mobile money account balances and conduct fewer transactions. Second, using high-frequency panel survey data from a field experiment, we find that subjects expecting violence are half as likely to respond to a randomized mobile money supply shock as those not expecting violence. Finally, analyzing financial survey data from nineteen of Afghanistanâs 34 provinces, we find that individuals expecting violence hold more cash. Collectively, our evidence suggests that violence can impede the growth of formal financial systems.
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/117303/
*Jiang: The Influence of Payment Method - Do Consumers Pay More with Mobile Payment? Claremont Graduate University, October 2022 (unpublished)*
The introduction of new payment methods has resulted in one of the most significant changes in the way we consume goods and services. When compared to cash payment, mobile payments in China significantly increased the amount purchased and the average amount spent on each item. This effect was found to be particularly large for high price elasticity goods. Compared to cash, mobile payments also lead to a significantly higher willingness to pay for consumption.
If you have any trouble opening the links, please let me know. The next update will be in 2023. Keep safe and 'happy holidays' if relevant.
Regards
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*) - *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University - *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org <https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">) - *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org) - *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com) - *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no responsibility for any such transmission. </https:></https:>
Jan. 19, 2023, 6:01 p.m.
James Shepherd-Barron
author and asked him to revert to you directly (you don't need me as an
intermediary).
I'm not sure if my views on 'the social utility of cash' are of interest to
the entire D-Group (apologies if not) but there are a couple of points
which may be relevant. I make them as a 'disaster risk management'
professional rather than as a cash or markets expert:
1. I am presenting a paper to the ATM Industry Association on 9th
February about 'The Role of the ATM in reducing disaster risk'. I have
blogged the main points which can be found here:
https://disasterwise.org/blog/f/the-role-of-the-atm-in-disaster-risk-reduction
In my view, they come don to four main pathways: Resilience, Economic
Recovery, Social Cohesion, and Poverty Reduction
1. I'm not convinced that the 'humanitarian-industrial business'
(Samantha Powell's words from USAID at Davos yesterday, not mine) fully
appreciates the political-economic implications of cash transfers (or
vouchers) in a crisis setting. You would seem to agree. Yes, the risks of
doing real 'digital harm' in the humanitarian space are enormous and
long-lasting. But first, as Vogel et al suggests, we have to understand two
particular socio-economic aspects:
a) Where do the local economic multiplier effects of cash accrue, and is it
the same for digital transfers as for cash-in-hand? Is 87% of the 'added
value' referred to by Vogel et al retained by local merchants and landlords
or does it accumulate further away in Capitals and in the bank accounts of
App developers in California and Lagos? (I find our industry's think-pieces
on this topic -- particularly WFP's -- simplistic, even disingenuous);
b) Why do 90%+ of electronic cash transfer recipients convert their digital
money to physical currency (banknotes) -- usually in full -- at the first
available opportunity? This 'inconvenient truth' seems to evade any
rigorous risk analysis by The World Bank (C-GAP) or members of the Better
Than Cash Alliance (including CRS, FCDO and BMGF). Is this because of
vested interests, our collective inability to change our ways of working,
or do we simply not know? Anyway, is it even true?
Both these questions point to the need for more academic research.
Either that, or I just haven't seen the research out there ... in which
case, I think we would all benefit from seeing it, especially in a world
growing more jaded and disillusioned by societal inequity by the minute.
THAT's the real risk here ... we lose trust in it all.
All the Best
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this
means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies
on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*)
- *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian
Affairs, Fordham University
- *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent
aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org
<https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">)
- *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org)
- *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com)
- *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
Mobile: +44 7785 70 34 90
Skype: james.s-b
Twitter: @jshepherdbarron
Website: https://jamess-b.org <https: www.aidessentials.org="">
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the
sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be
aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment
unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no
responsibility for any such transmission.
On Thu, 19 Jan 2023 at 09:33, [Hidden email] <
[Hidden email]
Jan. 19, 2023, 9:33 a.m.
[Hidden email]
Thanks for sharing this piece and drawing attention to this topic, especially as it relates to the humanitarian sphere. It does raise some interesting and relevant points for CVA and market-based programming. One that stood out was,
"Since the pace of digitization will only increase in the face of further technological innovation in payment systems, the question then becomes how to address these drawbacks, and how to preserve the social role of money."
From a programming and operations standpoint, this directly relates to how we design programs, engage with market actors, and procure/deliver services. As Dissaux rightly says, digitalization generally offers better cost-efficiency, but it may not be in line with cultural or social preferences.
How can organizations be cognizant of this when, for example, they procure financial services for cash assistance? When a common procurement objective is achieving best value for money, then presumably the FSP who has the lowest cost and most compliant offer will win the tender - so as long as they satisfy the scope of works. This, in turn, puts a lot of emphasis on detailing the needs and the context before going to the market - something that's not always easy to do when agility is desired. To pull from the ongoing discussions with localization, it does emphasize the need to understand local societal norms.
There is another well-written paper which addresses this issue with respect to CVA (Open Access):
Vogel, B., Tschunkert, K. and Schläpfer, I. (2022). The social meaning of money: multidimensional implications of humanitarian cash and voucher assistance. Disasters, 46: 348-370. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/disa.12478
They present an interesting argument that market-based interventions can potentially change local dynamics and relationships among community members (e.g., host community and incoming population receiving assistance). It questions how practitioners can be more aware of the socio-economic factors in areas of implementation and incorporate this into the decision-making process to reduce the likelihood of cash programmes reinforcing social inequalities or friction among groups.
It seems that there has been some work has been done on this, in terms of trying to mitigate risks presented by digital technologies. Jo Burton of the ICRC authored an important piece on this as well (Open Access):
Burton, J. (2021). "Doing no harm" in the digital age: What the digitalization of cash means for humanitarian action. International Review of the Red Cross, No. 913.
https://international-review.icrc.org/articles/doing-no-harm-digitalization-of-cash-humanitarian-action-913
Also related to technology in humanitarian operations in general, but more focused on data collection and management (Open Access):
Dette, R. (2018). Do No Digital Harm: Mitigating Technology Risks in Humanitarian Contexts. In: Hostettler, S., Najih Besson, S., Bolay, JC. (eds) Technologies for Development. UNESCO 2016. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91068-0_2
I may also recommend the book The Social Meaning of Money: Pin Money, Paychecks, Poor Relief, and Other Currencies by Viviana Zelizer. It breaks down the idea of money and fungibility from a social standpoint. Basically, if "a dollar is a dollar is a dollar", then it would not matter which form it came in. But Zelizer argues that this assumption does not allow us to fully understand the underpinnings of our economic choices as individuals - and how they impact our relationships with society and others.
So how can the social meaning of money be better incorporated into programming and decision making? Especially as digitalization keeps marching forward - how do we differentiate between operational and social feasibility? How does the form of funds impact the recipients of the funds? Many questions - would be great to hear your thoughts and from others as well.
Again - thanks James for bringing this up. Happy to discuss further and explore this idea in a further conversation.
Best regards,
Russell Harpring
Supply Chain CVA Advisor I, Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) | Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
[Hidden email] <mailto:[Hidden email]> | +358 044 977 5832 (Finland) | crs.org <https: ?url="http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2sgtGk1&data=01%7C01%7Crobyn.mckenna%40crs.org%7C045b056ec16a44bf7a9108d80d5a0a29%7Cb80c308cd08d4b07915c11a92d9cc6bd%7C0&sdata=N474YdYLIdOdBQyIjtVlw2Xb%2BYWYJcyVMqLzjRrWmC0%3D&reserved=0" nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com=""> | crsespanol.org <https: ?url="http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2sgtKQN&data=01%7C01%7Crobyn.mckenna%40crs.org%7C045b056ec16a44bf7a9108d80d5a0a29%7Cb80c308cd08d4b07915c11a92d9cc6bd%7C0&sdata=zWsk0xwn62cc3nNQ81Wxpghe%2B7AxnTEZvWVpBPQBwOw%3D&reserved=0" nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com="">
Jan. 10, 2023, 4:54 p.m.
James Shepherd-Barron
As it's a new year for most, here is a single opinion paper that you might
find relevant for your cash and markets-based policy-making and programming
rather than a collection.
It's on its own for four reasons: First, it is, in my view, a long overdue
piece of work; second, although an opinion piece, iit comes from Axa;
third, it represents a prevalent point of view that we don't seem to
discuss much; and fourth, it's coming for the first time from my new blog
*Disasterwise.org*
*Dissaux: The Social Role of Money in an Age of Digitalization; Axa
Research Fund - Building Societal Resilience, The Role of Inclusion in a
Fragmented World. Chapter 1 p.24-26, November 2022*
*Abstract*: The digitalization of money and the move towards a cashless
society brings significant efficiency gains. However, it also has a
perverse impact on social cohesion and financial inclusion: as the scales
tip further toward digital currencies, the payment system becomes more a
private good than a public one â and one that risks leaving the most
vulnerable behind, especially in low-income countries. Monetary systems are
not just technical in nature, but embody shared values, legitimacy, and
societal trust. Their functionality is vital for fiscal stabilisation and
societal resilience, especially in times of crisis.
*https://www.axa-research.org/en/news/building-societal-resilience
<https: building-societal-resilience="" en="" news="" www.axa-research.org="">*
I'd love to hear what you think about this article ... and anything else on
Disasterwise, for that matter (but please bear in mind that it's still in
beta mode).
In the meantime, don't forget that a wide perspective on issues connected
with 'cash & crises' -- including podcasts and videographics produced by
the private sector with the aid community in mind -- can always be found at
https://cashessentials.org/cash-crises/
Regards to All and have a SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR where relevant.
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this
means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies
on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*)
- *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian
Affairs, Fordham University
- *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent
aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org
<https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">)
- *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org)
- *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com)
- *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
Mobile: +44 7785 70 34 90
Skype: james.s-b
Twitter: @jshepherdbarron
Website: https://jamess-b.org <https: www.aidessentials.org="">
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the
sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be
aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment
unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no
responsibility for any such transmission.
</https:></https:></https:>
Dec. 7, 2022, 10:41 p.m.
James Shepherd-Barron
Here are recent highlights from academic and cash management industry
sources that you might find relevant for your cash and markets-based
policy-making and programming.
With thanks to Prof. Batiz-Lazo of Northumbria University, the NEP
Project, Currency
News International, The Payments Journal, Cash & Payments News, ATM
Marketplace and Payments Afrika.
For a wider perspective on Cash and Crises, including podcasts and
videographics produced with the aid community in mind, see:
https://cashessentials.org/cash-crises/
*Ablam Estel Apeti: Household welfare in the digital age - Assessing the
effect of mobile money on household consumption volatility in developing
countries. World Development, Elsevier, 2022, 161, pp.106110.
ff10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106110ff. ffhal-03819779f*
Mobile money increases household consumption expenditures, food security
and per capita consumption. Countries with mobile money exhibit lower
consumption volatility, with the key drivers of mobile money's stabilizing
effect being financial inclusion and migrant remittances.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03819779/document
*Blumenstock et al: Violence and financial decisions: evidence from mobile
money in Afghanistan; LSE Research Online, 20 November 2022*
We provide evidence that violence reduces the adoption and use of mobile
money in three separate empirical settings in Afghanistan. First, we
spatially merge nationwide administrative data on 96,000 violent events
with the universe of mobile money transactions and find that users exposed
to nearby violence reduce their mobile money account balances and conduct
fewer transactions. Second, using high-frequency panel survey data from a
field experiment, we find that subjects expecting violence are half as
likely to respond to a randomized mobile money supply shock as those not
expecting violence. Finally, analyzing financial survey data from nineteen
of Afghanistanâs 34 provinces, we find that individuals expecting violence
hold more cash. Collectively, our evidence suggests that violence can
impede the growth of formal financial systems.
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/117303/
*Jiang: The Influence of Payment Method - Do Consumers Pay More with Mobile
Payment? Claremont Graduate University, October 2022 (unpublished)*
The introduction of new payment methods has resulted in one of the most
significant changes in the way we consume goods and services. When compared
to cash payment, mobile payments in China significantly increased the
amount purchased and the average amount spent on each item. This effect was
found to be particularly large for high price elasticity goods. Compared to
cash, mobile payments also lead to a significantly higher willingness to
pay for consumption.
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2210/2210.14631.pdf
If you have any trouble opening the links, please let me know. The next
update will be in 2023. Keep safe and 'happy holidays' if relevant.
Regards
*James Shepherd-Barron MIH, PhD(hc)*
- *Disaster Risk Management Consultant *(*in case you're wondering, this
means I advise Governments, aid organisations and private sector companies
on the modelling and management of international disaster risk*)
- *Adjunct Professor* at the Institute of International Humanitarian
Affairs, Fordham University
- *CEO* of The Aid Workers Union, the support service for independent
aid professionals (https://aidworkersunion.org
<https: www.aidworkersunion.org="">)
- *Founder* of The ATM Appreciation Society (https://atmas.org)
- *Author* of 'Absolute Disasters' and other books (https://amazon.com)
- *Award-Winning Podcaster* (https://disasterwise.org)
Mobile: +44 7785 70 34 90
Skype: james.s-b
Twitter: @jshepherdbarron
Website: https://jamess-b.org <https: www.aidessentials.org="">
If you think you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the
sender to that effect and delete this email promptly.
Please note: This email has been checked for computer viruses, but be
aware that this service is not 100% reliable. Do not open any attachment
unless you have specifically requested it. The sender bears no
responsibility for any such transmission.
</https:></https:>