All Segments
a16z Podcast | Mobility and the Global Refugee Crisis
28 segments available
"We throw around words like 'crisis' very easily, but this is a global crisis, and it is of historic proportions," says current U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken about the refugee crisis (for which he and his department mobilized a response that significantly accelerated government efforts to assist refugees, as well as engage the tech sector). "People don't realize that before 2011, the number of Syrian refugees was zero," shares Lina Sergie Attar of the non-profit Karam Foundation, which aims to build a better future for Syria through education, smart aid, and sustainable development programs for internally displaced communities inside Syria as well as refugee populations in neighboring countries. Yet in this episode of the a16z Podcast (with Sonal Chokshi and a16z's Matt Spence, who was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Middle East) both agree that it's a crisis that requires a global response, including from the tech industry. Especially when technologies like the smartphone, which "is the most important object" that refugees have -- for migration, communication, documentation, connection, commerce, more -- can and do play a role. But we need to go beyond the "mobile migration" narrative here: Maybe we shouldn't focus on promoting superhero 'migration' success stories or citing statistics, and instead find out more about the broader context and details of refugees' day to day lives. Maybe it's not about being 'solutionistic' ... but is about finding solutions. Maybe it's about the intersection of foreign policy and technology; it most certainly is about our collective humanity. image: Mustafa Bader / Wikimedia
Segments Timeline
Understanding the Refugee Crisis
In this segment, the hosts introduce the podcast's focus on the global refugee crisis, emphasizing its historic proportions and the need for a comprehensive response. They highlight the involvement of key figures like Tony Blinken and Lina Sergie Attar, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on the crisis's scope and the role of technology.
"today's episode of the a6 and z podcast recorded a month ago focus is on the refugee crisis as well as where tech may come in the conversation is co-hosted by a six in Z policy team partner Matt Spenc..."
A Historic Wave of Displacement
Tony Blinken discusses the unprecedented scale of human displacement since World War II, noting that the current refugee crisis is global in nature. He emphasizes that over five million Syrian refugees exist today, a stark contrast to the zero refugees before 2011, illustrating the rapid escalation of the crisis.
"magnitude of the problem something no single conversation can do justice who are the refugees beyond statistics it's really important to put this in perspective you know we throw around words like cri..."
The Role of Information in Displacement
Blinken explains how increased access to information has exacerbated the refugee crisis. As displaced individuals become aware of better living conditions elsewhere, it creates a pull factor for migration, complicating the already dire situation faced by millions globally.
"we have refugees Afghanistan Pakistan Bangladesh a dozen countries in Africa and of course Latin America as well and because it's a global crisis it actually demands a global response no single countr..."
Syria's Refugee Crisis Explained
Lina Sergie Attar provides insight into the demographics of Syrian refugees, highlighting that many are from the middle class who had to deplete their savings to escape. She shares personal anecdotes about her family's journey, emphasizing the human aspect of the crisis and the challenges faced by refugees in host countries.
"creates a sort of pull factor that didn't exist as much in the past when people were more closed off I mean it is a global crisis and millions and millions of people are displaced right now and they c..."
The Burden on Host Countries
The discussion shifts to the impact of the refugee crisis on host countries like Lebanon and Jordan. Blinken illustrates the significant burden these nations face, with a large percentage of their populations being Syrian refugees, and the strain this places on local resources and infrastructure.
"that the crisis unfolded especially with the waves of refugees going from Turkey to Greece and through Europe and what we saw last year and all of the drownings and all of the people in these camps an..."
Access to Education and Employment
The conversation highlights the critical needs of refugees, particularly access to education and employment. Blinken discusses how many refugees are integrated into host communities, yet face challenges in finding work, which threatens their financial stability and the education of their children.
"be able to return to their homes Lina you talked about the flood of refugees and I think people have heard a lot of the statistics but could you give me a sense of who are they where are they coming f..."
The Aspirations of Refugees
Attar and Blinken emphasize that most refugees aspire to return home rather than settle permanently in host countries. They discuss the long-term nature of the Syrian civil war and the challenges that arise from prolonged displacement, including the psychological impact on families.
"be able to take that journey when you get to the United States the snapshot of refugees is very diverse it goes from you know people that were able to get through the whole vetting process and get her..."
The Complexity of Refugee Resettlement
The hosts address the complexities surrounding refugee resettlement in the U.S. and the fears of American citizens. They clarify the rigorous vetting process that refugees undergo, aiming to dispel misconceptions about the safety and integration of refugees in American society.
"this discussion you mentioned the impact on receiving countries and communities can we talk a little bit about that like what some of the fears and concerns are and what the twist top-of-mind for folk..."
The Reality of Refugee Vetting
Blinken elaborates on the extensive vetting process for refugees entering the U.S., emphasizing that the majority are fleeing violence rather than perpetrating it. He reassures listeners about the thorough background checks conducted by multiple security agencies to ensure safety.
"working 25 hours a day trying to do that even just getting a cessation of hostilities to take that pressure off and get humanitarian assistance flowing but as that's happening what's driving them when..."
The Refugee Vetting Process Explained
The conversation delves deeper into the extensive vetting process for refugees, which can take up to two years. It outlines the roles of various U.S. security agencies in conducting thorough background checks and interviews. The segment emphasizes the importance of security while acknowledging that the vast majority of refugees are fleeing violence, not posing a threat.
"just start with that basic premise you're right because there's an association in people as mind it's exactly the reverse if they are fleeing terrorism they're not terrorists second when it comes to t..."
Tech's Role in Refugee Security
This segment discusses the potential for technology to enhance the refugee vetting process. It highlights ongoing efforts to improve security measures and the unique challenges faced by refugees. The conversation points out that the refugee entry process is more stringent than many other forms of immigration, emphasizing the need for safety.
"because even though again as I said 99.9% are people fleeing violence not perpetrating it we want to make sure that that point one percent doesn't get in and that's a lot of information is there more ..."
Post-Resettlement Challenges
The discussion shifts to the challenges refugees face after resettlement, particularly regarding access to education and employment. It highlights the importance of technology in facilitating these needs, mentioning companies that provide mobile solutions to help refugees integrate into their new environments.
"looking for ways to perfect it and one of the ways is through technology what's striking to me is how much more vetting goes on there than it does for any other job any other bringing a child into thi..."
The Impact of Distance Learning
This segment explores the role of distance learning platforms in providing education to refugee children. It discusses the overwhelming demand for educational resources in host countries and how technology can bridge the gap, allowing children to continue their education despite the challenges they face.
"in fact visiting in Beirut one of the community centers established by in this case Caritas a Catholic relief to support refugees from Syria you'd go from room to room and in the first room the men th..."
Employment Opportunities for Refugees
The conversation highlights the potential for remote work opportunities for refugees, allowing them to contribute economically while facing barriers in local job markets. It discusses the importance of internet access and technology in creating these opportunities, even if they currently cater to a limited number of skilled individuals.
"growing and it creates a stopgap while you're trying to find space for kids in the formal education system we're seeing that start to have start to have an impact that's just one way of doing things s..."
Smartphones: Lifelines for Refugees
This segment emphasizes the critical role smartphones play in the lives of refugees. It discusses how mobile technology facilitates communication, navigation, and access to resources, while also addressing the challenges of access and surveillance that come with it.
"see this working as well we're trying to expand that okay so the story that we've been reading a lot in the news and I'd read two articles in both wired and New York Times in the past year it's a stor..."
Connectivity and Information Flow
The discussion focuses on the importance of connectivity for refugees, highlighting how smartphones enable families to stay in touch and access vital information. It underscores the smartphone's role as a lifeline, especially in the context of the Syrian conflict and the refugee crisis.
"particular modern migration yeah well I think you've really touched on some of the key aspects of this there is connectivity that otherwise wouldn't exist that means a lot of things it means that fami..."
Heartbreaking Stories of Loss
This poignant segment shares a heartbreaking story of a refugee mother who lost her children in a camp fire, emphasizing the emotional significance of her smartphone as the only remaining connection to her lost family. It illustrates the profound impact of the refugee experience and the role of technology in preserving memories.
"because of the regime's closing off Syria really to any kind of outside media that is not overseen by the government so I think that we've seen an arc with using technology and can in terms of connect..."
Reporting Civilian Casualties
The final segment discusses how smartphones can be used to report civilian casualties and document atrocities in conflict zones. It highlights the potential of mobile technology to provide critical information and support for humanitarian efforts, showcasing its dual role in both aiding and documenting the refugee experience.
"heartbreaking from the government side the phone can actually use to help with civilian casualties you know so if you are a refugee being victim to strikes that are happening using the phones to repor..."
The Role of Technology in Crisis Response
This segment explores how technology, particularly smartphones, can enhance crisis response efforts. It discusses the importance of real-time communication for refugees to report dangers and violations, and how this information can inform government policymakers. The conversation emphasizes the need for listening to individual stories to better allocate resources and respond effectively to the needs of refugees.
"information I felt when I was in the government for government policymakers there's this assumption from the outside that our intelligence collection is is NIP attend and Journal as we get information..."
Empowering Refugees Through Innovation
In this segment, the speakers discuss the misconception of refugees as passive recipients of aid. They highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Syrian refugees who are actively building their own economies and communities. The conversation critiques the oversimplified narratives of refugee success and emphasizes the importance of co-creating solutions with refugees, rather than imposing external ideas.
"coming from a background educated have funds fleeing violence and they weren't going to sit around in a camp waiting for their - UNHCR meals a day and sit there in a camp for the 17 average years they..."
Jugaad Innovation: Resourcefulness in Constraints
This segment introduces the concept of 'jugaad innovation,' which refers to finding creative solutions within limited resources. The discussion reflects on how refugees demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness and adaptability. It critiques the tech industry's tendency to oversimplify solutions and stresses the importance of understanding the unique needs and strengths of refugee communities in developing effective tools.
"or but what they're supposed to be doing so it'd be I think the most important part is to take these technologies and take places like Silicon Valley's strengths at scaling a a solution but those solu..."
Connecting Refugee Youth to Opportunities
This segment shares inspiring stories of refugee youth discovering their passions through unexpected opportunities. It highlights a journalist's workshop that introduced refugee children to journalism, leading to real career paths. The discussion underscores the importance of exposing refugee youth to diverse fields and skills, emphasizing that the solutions for their futures must be designed with their input and aspirations in mind.
"things that you're talking about one of the most frustrating things for me as someone who runs a non-profit when I constantly find for instance technology or apps or curriculum about coding for instan..."
The Intersection of Foreign Policy and Technology
In this concluding segment, the speakers discuss the critical intersection of foreign policy and technology in addressing global challenges, including the refugee crisis. They emphasize the need for collaboration between governments and tech innovators to create effective solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the technological components of humanitarian efforts and the necessity of involving refugees in the design of these solutions.
"not open - before they don't have exposure - and especially the teenagers which we think are the most vulnerable refugee population both boys and girls because we have a very limited amount of time to..."
The Intersection of Technology and Foreign Policy
This segment explores how foreign policy and technology intersect in addressing global challenges, including the refugee crisis. It highlights the importance of technological solutions in various areas such as arms control and health security, and how these solutions can be applied to improve the lives of refugees. The discussion emphasizes the collaborative efforts needed to tackle these complex issues effectively.
"together and to think together around solving a problem and we've done that with distance education for refugees and found a lot of very good practical ideas coming from that that some of which are no..."
Balancing Humanitarian Aid and Political Realities
In this segment, the speakers discuss the delicate balance between providing humanitarian aid to refugees and the political implications of such actions. They highlight the concerns of host countries about creating permanent refugee populations and the need for policies that support temporary solutions while addressing the immediate needs of refugees.
"require government awareness yeah we need to realize as Lena said these are man-made problems and governments are dealing with complicated political issues so for Silicon Valley for example as I think..."
Innovative Policies for Refugee Employment
This segment outlines innovative policy approaches to support refugee employment, such as creating compacts that allow products made with refugee labor to receive preferential treatment in international markets. The discussion also touches on the importance of providing access to lower lending rates for middle-income countries hosting refugees, showcasing how policy can facilitate economic opportunities for both refugees and local populations.
"problems that they need while also not creating the conditions that what is meant to be a temporary refugee camp instead becomes a permanent city or in fact a lot of the refugees actually just want to..."
The Need for Informal Education for Refugee Children
This segment emphasizes the critical need for informal education for refugee children in countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. It discusses the importance of ensuring that informal education is accredited and can translate into formal education credits, addressing the educational gaps faced by refugee youth and the policy challenges that accompany these initiatives.
"in changing policy one other example when it comes to education one of the most important things we can do because of this lack of capacity in a turkey Lebanon or Jordan is to allow kids to get inform..."
Collective Responsibility in the Syrian Crisis
In this concluding segment, the speakers reflect on the Syrian crisis as a collective humanity issue that transcends political boundaries. They stress the importance of individual and corporate involvement in addressing the refugee crisis and the ongoing conflict, highlighting that everyone has a role to play in finding solutions and supporting those affected by the crisis.
"they can go but realize like what the broader context you operating so we don't get carried away and say oh Tech is gonna lead us all to hold hands and sing Kumbaya what this really points to is that ..."