This summer I found myself in Paris working at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with a focus on natural disasters in Southeast Asia. The region faces the largest number of natural disasters on Earth which is only due to increase under the effects of climate change. Additionally many resilience methods and financing strategies used in places like Japan and New Zealand have not been implemented in Southeast Asia which leaves some of the most vulnerable communities most exposed disasters.

Project Goals and Objectives

My work was focused on financing strategies and how to ensure the most vulnerable communities were supported. In my exploration I looked at disaster insurance and catastrophe bonds, both of which have very low uptake in most countries in Southeast Asia - specifically Indonesia which was my main case study. I also looked into the innovative use of satellite imagery to identify disaster damage and vulnerable areas, as well as to aid in accurate calculation of premium costs. This meant I could use lots of my skills from my research project last Summer where I was analysing sheet music images.

My main goal was the organisation of a seminar later this year in Asia where countries will exchange knowledge and best practices on disaster mitigation and financing, with a goal of increasing accessibility and ensuring sustainable resilience. I was preparing the agenda, writing background notes, and finding academic speakers. At the same time I was looking into the development of a model for assessing the damage and cost of disasters for data-driven decision making, with the ultimate aim of influencing policies that prioritise support for the most vulnerable communities. In this project, we had to engage with stakeholders from government representatives to academic experts and community leaders.

Experience and Leadership Learnings: Working in a different country and in an international organisation was a challenge that evolved into a profound learning experience. Whilst our working language was english, I was practicing my French everyday in conversation, and the team I was working on was very international. My leadership skills were put to the test as I navigated cultural nuances to ensure effective collaboration.

My work on the seminar agenda was an opportunity for me to aid in leading a project, working together with a very international team. The shared knowledge and insights from participating countries will highlight the importance of global cooperation in addressing the varied challenges posed by natural disasters. Working at the OECD also gave me a great insight into the role of international organisations in a global political landscape.

Impact and Sustainability:

The impact of my work will hopefully be felt through the seminar being held later this year and a publication on the same topic. The OECD's motto is “Better policies for better lives”, and the hope is our work will influence countries to develop policies which will enhance resilience to disasters and provide tangible support to the most vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia. Information on the development of a model estimating costs should also highlight the importance of data-driven decision making in the seminar.

Lessons Learned: Immersing oneself in an unfamiliar community teaches lessons that extend beyond the workplace. The importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability became evident when embracing the challenge of working in an international environment. It was clear that effective solutions are often rooted in understanding of local context and the communities in need of support. For example, community based implementations of disaster insurance are much more likely to be successful in many places due to limited insurance literacy and lack of trust.

In conclusion, my summer at the OECD was a journey of discovery, collaboration, and impact. Moving country and the experience I gained has had huge impact on my professional and personal growth. The experiences I had really helped solidify my leadership training with Laidlaw and has given me lots of confidence in myself and my future endevours.