Abstract: This presentation outlines the work undertaken between 2006 and 2010 for integrating disaster risk management measures into the World Bank’s Local Governance Support Project in Bangladesh and assessing the role of Safety Nets in Bangladesh.  The project was designed to analyze the connections between local government and community responses to natural disasters in Bangladesh and to offer a guidance note and handbook on the roles of local institutions in disaster management, distinguishing, issues of community and local government responsibilities, and the potential utility of safety nets.

Bio: Dr. Commins’ recent work has focused on fragile states, disasters, and basic service delivery, particularly in the health sector. This included coordinating a three year project with the World Bank on safety nets and human development outcomes in disaster prone regions of Bangladesh, and co-founding the Network on Health in Fragile States.  His most recent papers include “Livelihoods and Basic Services in Northwest Province”, “Non-State Providers, the State and Health in Post-Conflict Fragile States”, “The Medium Term Impact of Disasters in Bangladesh”, and “Decentralization and Accountability in Africa”. Dr. Commins currently serves as Strategy Manager, Fragile States at International Medical Corps, and the Secretary for the international Health and Fragile States Network, which is currently hosted by International Medical Corps.  He is a Lecturer in the Department of Urban Planning, and the Associate Director for International Initiatives, Luskin School of Public Affairs.     

Campus Map  

Cost: Free and Open to the Public!

Light refreshment will be served.

Peyton Park
ppark@international.ucla.edu

Sponsor(s): Center for India and South Asia