Recessions, protests, violence – the 2021 Fragile States Index examines the overlapping challenges of the COVID-19 crisis on fragility in 179 countries. Despite these challenges, this year also presents a unique opportunity to explore what resilience looks like in different contexts, and the role played by the development community, civil society, the private sector, and government institutions to manage shocks and pressures.
Fund for Peace and International Alert will be holding an online launch event bringing together leading experts to discuss how societies can emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger and more resilient.
Opening remarks will be given by Senator Chris Coons and Congressman Michael McCaul, both of whom have been leaders in the drafting and passage of the landmark Global Fragility Act, which could be a gamechanger for US policy overseas. The opening remarks will be followed by a panel discussion with:
- Liz Hume, Acting President and CEO, Alliance for Peacebuilding (moderator)
- Cindy Chungong, Africa Regional Director, International Alert
- Nealin Parker, Co-Director, Bridging Divides Initiative, Princeton University
- Natalie Fiertz, Programs Manager, Fund for Peace
- Representative (TBD), African Development Bank
The event will be held in conjunction with the launch of the 2021 Fragile States Index, a data-driven policy tool covering political, social and economic pressures in 179 countries.