This webinar will be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL) under the auspices of the Association of Academies and Societies of Science in Asia (AASSA) and the Inter Academy Partnership (IAP).
Background
Over the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic not only resulted in thousands of deaths, debilitations, and economic and other losses across the world, but also left a deep and indelible mark on the human psyche and society. A Pew Research Centre survey conducted in 2020 indicated that 44% of people (in the US) felt that it has altered their lives and lifestyle in a significant way. The impact of the pandemic may affect people’s hearts and minds and their very existence for many decades, in a very different post- Covid world.
In this context, we hope, through this webinar, to generate contributions and discussions that are evidence based and, at the same time, focus on long term social impacts (beyond the immediate recovery phase). Post-webinar dissemination will be via conference proceedings and Youtube videos. It is also hoped that a policy statement can be generated about how to address long-term impacts as an outcome of this webinar, based on the consensus reached thereat.
Keynote Speakers
- Prof. Dominic Abrams, FBA (University of Kent and the British Academy): The Covid decade
- Prof. Malik Peiris, FRS (University of Hong Kong and NASSL): Global public health
- Prof. Dame Anne Mills, FRS (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UK Academy of Medical Sciences): Adaptable, responsive and equitable health systems
- Prof. Virendra Malhotra (Indian Council of Social Science Research): Social protection
- Dr. Jim Ackers (UNICEF): Learning transformation for all post-COVID