Organizer: Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering

Type/Location: In person / Washington, DC

Description:

Join Sera Koulabdara, CEO of advocacy group Legacies of War, who will discuss UXO contaminations in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. She will join other professionals in the panel discussion in addressing the strategic implications and global humanitarian impact of the use of cluster munitions. This gathering of subject matter experts will provide an opportunity for researchers, elected officials, practitioners and members of the media to gain a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding the deployment and clearance of cluster munitions. Topics will include the strategic implications of cluster munitions; the impact on civilian populations; estimated vs. actual dud rates; and the reuse of submunitions for weaponized UAVs. In addition, there will be a featured Panel addressing the importance of international agreements related to cluster munitions and other weapons of concern.

About the Speaker

Sera Koulabdara, CEO Legacies of War, fled bomb contamination in Laos at the age of 6 and now leads the only international U.S.-based advocacy and educational organization working to address the impacts of the American Secret War in Laos and conflict in neighboring countries, including the removal of unexploded ordnance and victims assistance. Ms. Koulabdara was the first Lao-American to participate in the 20th Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Convention. By unanimous vote, Sera was elected to serve as the Chair of the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions Coalition starting in 2023. Sera is the first BIPOC, millennial, and person with lived experience in an impacted country to take on this leadership role. Under Sera’s leadership Legacies of War received the inaugural Humanitarian Award of 2022 given by the Lao PDR for its successful advocacy efforts in securing funds for bomb removal and victims assistance.

Registration:

To register, click here.