UCL-Lebanon project to map out a future for refugees

A new UCL research centre, which will explore how to build prosperous societies in communities affected by mass displacement, received its UK launch today. With one in every four people living in Lebanon having a refugee background - by far the highest proportion in the world - the country is under immense strain economically, socially and politically. Based at the UCL Institute of Global Prosperity (IGP) and led by its Director, Professor Henrietta Moore, the RELIEF Centre will bring together academics from a number of UCL departments, the American University of Beirut and the Centre for Lebanese Studies. Between them, the Centre's members have expertise in sustainable prosperity, economics, engineering, internet technology, anthropology and sociology, urban design and education. They will confront the challenges faced by the 1.5m Syrian refugees in Lebanon and develop a blueprint for better integration that can be applied worldwide. Professor Moore said: "With over 65 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, the need to develop new ways of understanding and building true prosperity for refugees and their host countries has never been greater. "By exploring diverse themes including urban design, education and skills development, public health and inclusive economic growth, we hope to co-create a new model for sustainable prosperity that can be resilient even in the face of the most extreme circumstances.