The Conduit Solutions Lab: Refugee Summit

Join us as we share 12 new solutions to the refugee crisis.

Over the past few months, we have sifted hundreds of bold ideas and pilot projects from international organisations, NGOs, and entrepreneurs, all hoping to aid the settlement and integration of refugees.

These ideas were grouped in the following categories: Access to Finance, Housing, Education, Skills, and Training  and Employment .

In partnership with Forward Global, this summit will present the final 12 over a day and a half in our London club.

The number of people forced to flee their homes is at a record high. We have a duty to help and the time to act is now.

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Solution 1 - International Rescue Committee

Get in touch with Emery Igiraneza at Emery.Igiraneza@rescue.org

Emery Igiraneza, with over 15 years of experience in the UK refugee sector, currently serves as Head of UK Programmes at the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

IRC's goal is to empower refugees through leadership development, local engagement, and building connections that enable them to advocate for their communities at different levels.

By amplifying refugee voices locally, nationally, and globally, we can make significant progress in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, and develop effective policy solutions to address their needs.

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Solution 7 - each One

Get in touch with Théo Scubla at theo.scubla@eachone.co

We believe in the power of refugee inclusion and provide sustainable employment opportunities. By acting as a trusted intermediary, we connect refugees and newcomers with jobs, addressing unemployment challenges. Our comprehensive "All-in-One" programs offer 400 hours of training, covering technical skills, soft skills, and French language reinforcement. We also conduct awareness sessions for managers and recruiters. Our goal is to create personalized talent pathways that empower individuals and revolutionize refugee integration.

09:35 – 10:00 Opening Keynote

Vicky Tennant, UNHCR representative to the UK

10:05 – 10:50 Turning responsibility into opportunity

Win-win-win: the benefits of refugee hiring for refugees themselves, businesses, and society as a whole

Finding a job is a major milestone for a refugee as they successfully build a life in their new country and integrate into a new community. Yet there are many barriers to employment for refugees - from language barriers, a lack of professional networks, transport, and childcare solutions to gaps in employment and education.

To help refugees overcome these barriers, companies should be intentional and adapt their processes to enable them to access the local labour market. For companies leading that charge there are tremendous long-term benefits, particularly at a time of severe labour shortages in many countries that welcome refugees. This panel discussion, moderated by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, will bring together speakers representing the private sector, NGOs supporting refugee inclusion, and the refugee experience for a conversation about how to accelerate the economic integration of refugees. Gain insights into the barriers refugees face in finding work, solutions put in place to overcome them, including effective hiring strategies that companies which benefit refugee jobseekers, businesses, their employees, and society as a whole.

Moderator

Hélène van Melle, Deputy Director for Europe, Tent Partnership for Refugees

Panellists

Natsayi Sithole, Acting CEO, Renaisi
Anil Qasemi, Project Lead – Afghan Resettlement, USPUK
Hayley Johnson, Talent Acquisition Consultant, UK & Ireland, Philips
Ashley Clark, Central Recruitment Manager, Menzies Aviation

13:30 – 14:25 Is entrepreneurship a viable option for economic autonomy?

Is entrepreneurship a viable option for economic autonomy?

Financial independence is a necessary and urgent condition for people who have been forcibly displaced, enabling them to rebuild their lives and gain control over their own destinies. For people with refugee status, pursuing self-employment by establishing an enterprise can be a viable path to self-determination. However, crucially, access to capital, the lifeblood of any business, is often heavily restricted for refugees. We will explore various perspectives on this challenge, including a UK bank, a social enterprise and an entrepreneur with refugee status. The conversation will explore how access to finance impacts aspiring entrepreneurs and how barriers to access might be overcome.

Moderator

Dr Michelle Richey, Senior Lecturer in Technology and Entrepreneurship, Loughborough Business School

Panellists

Sharniya Ferdinand, Enterprise Community Strategy Director, NatWest
Charlie Fraser, Founder, TERN
Laila Majeed, Founder, Gilguzi

14:55 – 15:50 Education/Skills/Training Panel Discussion

The importance of providing the foundations for successful and sustainable integration

The panel on the importance of education, skills, and training for refugees is pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced individuals globally. Education serves as a cornerstone for personal and societal development, offering refugees a sense of normalcy and stability amidst change. It equips them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering resilience and adaptability. Moreover, vocational training and skill development are crucial for economic integration, enabling refugees to contribute to the workforce and attain financial independence. This focus not only aids in their personal growth and self-sufficiency but also benefits host communities by filling skills gaps and promoting cultural diversity and social cohesion. By investing in education and training programs, refugees are empowered to rebuild their lives, offering pathways to employment and higher education opportunities. Such initiatives are essential in ensuring refugees can navigate new social landscapes, ultimately facilitating smoother integration into society.

Moderator

Renae Mann, Executive Director of Services, Refugee Council

Panellists

Mohib Ullah, Director of Strategy, RefuAid
Humair Naqvi, Chief Revenue Officer, Chatterbox
Holly Simmons, Founder, Niya
Danny Sriskandarajah, CEO, New Economics Foundation

16:30– 16:45 Closing Keynote

Anna Jones, CEO & Co-Founder, RefuAid

16:45 – 17:05 Hope Notes by Soumik Datta Arts

Film screening by Soumik Datta Arts

This unique project, which toured the UK in 2022, amplifies the voices and stories of refugees through music, film, and collaboration. Developed alongside refugees from diverse backgrounds, Hope Notes offers a poignant and immersive experience.

11:30 – 12:20 Speed Networking

The Forum (1st Floor)

DIPACT
EqualReach
JOBLINGE
Danish Refugee Council

Reading Rooms (2nd Floor)

Cities for Children
Saira Hospitality
Pairity
Turaco Valley Foods

Reading Rooms Lounge (2nd Floor)

Relevant Ventures
GoodFX
EachOne
International Rescue Committee

12:30 – 12:50 Closing Remarks

Laura Kyrke-Smith, Executive Director at International Rescue Committee

Hear groundbreaking ideas and insights from speakers who are pioneers in their fields, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

Take the chance to connect with like-minded individuals and build powerful networks. The Conduit is a breeding ground for collaboration, where diverse perspectives spark transformative solutions at our conferences, themed summits, leadership roundtables, briefings, solution labs, forum meetings and thought leadership dinners.

Amplify your voice and influence. Share your ideas and expertise with a global audience, and help shape the future of our planet.