The document announces a conference titled "Crisis governance or governance crisis? A sustainable model for long term refugee reception and integration" hosted by the Refugee Academy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on November 7th, 2017 from 3-5:30pm. The event will explore cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors in responding to refugee crises, and discuss lessons learned from the past years. A panel of experts will discuss the topic from a crisis governance perspective, preceded by short scientific presentations to structure the discussion. The goal is to provide fresh perspectives on cooperation and collect insights to shape future research benefiting both academics and practitioners.

1. 7th
of November 2017, 3 – 5:30 pm – Aurora, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Refugee Academy presents:
Crisis governance or governance crisis? A sustainable model for long
term refugee reception and integration
With Robert Larruina
The increased refugee flow in the past years has brought specific challenges to the relation between
different governmental and non-governmental actors. We might agree or disagree with the term
"crisis" and the context where it was used, but academic research about crisis management can
helps us to understand the type of cooperation that occurred (or did not occur) between different
stakeholders. Also, it can help us to consider future challenges in the refugee influx and everyday
practical challenges that different stakeholders faced and will face in their work. In general terms,
in the Dutch context, the refugee crisis had a governmental response structure that led to a formal
top-down 'command and control' crisis management approach, with a reduced understanding of
how to integrate bottom-up citizens’ initiatives and know-how from NGOs in the crisis response.
Although there are several organizational actors with different aims and objectives, they are all
dealing with the same topics/problems that many times find operational, logistics or policy
challenges. With a hands-on approach, the Refugee Academy aims to originate a space for dialogue
and co-creation in which academic knowledge and practical insights feed each other. In this
meeting, we want to provide participants with fresh perspectives on cooperation. Also, we hope to
collect insights that will further shape our own research program, which is set up as a collective
space for learning for researchers and practitioners. We will provide conceptual tools and examples
to look at (different models of) cooperation between state agencies, NGO's volunteers and experts.
What are different ways to look at cooperation in the reception of newcomers, during a period that
is framed as a crisis? What are aims, underlying assumptions and respective roles in this
cooperation? Also, we will look at the current challenges from the point of view of these different
types of actors. Where are we going from this point onwards?

2. 7th
of November 2017, 3 – 5:30 pm – Aurora, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
As a crucial part of the program we have a panel in which experts/central actors discuss with us
the lessons learned in the past years, from a Crisis Governance point of view. The panel will be
preceded by short presentations on scientific insights from crisis management research, which
will help us structure the discussion. We would be delighted to have you at the event!
Please subscribe before the 3rd
November.
For any questions please contact: Elena Ponzoni e.ponzoni@vu.nl or Robert Larruina
r.larruina@vu.nl
You can find more information on the Refugee Academy on our site:
https://fsw.vu.nl/nl/onderzoek/expertiselabs/refugee-academy/index.aspx
Logistic information
The meeting will take place on the 7th
of November, from 3 to 5:30 PM in the Aurora room at
VU Amsterdam. After the meeting there will be time for informal exchange with drinks and
snacks.
For public transport directions to VU Amsterdam, please consult 9292.nl
To get to Aurorazaal at VU Amsterdam, enter the main building (Hoofdgebouw) at the main
entrance. Turn right and walk passed the toilets. Then turn left and you will see the entrance of the
room on your left.