Turn World Refugee Day into positive action. Join a very special conversation with the actor-activist Ger Duany, who escaped life as a child soldier in Sudan’s civil war to become an international role model, actor and advocate for refugees and environmental accountability. Ger points out that we are entering an “era of displacement”. This sentence succinctly sums up the terrible planetary situation we are facing due to climate change. We also speak with two of Ger’s partners in its refugee advocacy work, Newday Impact Investing CEO and our frequent guest Doug Heske and Bernice Romero, Executive Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council United Statesa humanitarian organization that helps people forced to flee disasters, war and climate change to build a new future.
Ger’s life journey began in South Sudan, where a generation of young people known as the “Lost Boys” endured Sudan’s brutal civil wars. After escaping and finding refuge in the United States, Ger was catapulted to prominence in the entertainment industry with notable roles in films “I Heart Huckabees,” “The good lieand the recent “Goodbye Julia,” which debuted at Cannes. He also wrote about his experiences and journey in the book, “Walk towards the rising sun.”
True to his roots, Ger used his newfound fame to become a strong advocate for refugees, mental health support for displaced people, and African environmental responsibility. After serving as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, he recently took over as Director of the Advocacy, Business Engagement and Stewardship Program at Newday Impact Investing, which is dedicated to educating and raising awareness for businesses to support those displaced by the climate crisis. We will explore how private and non-profit organizations are preparing for the age of displacement and what we can do, collectively and individually, to alleviate the suffering of millions of people displaced from their homes and communities. Listen to an illuminating and sobering discussion – this is an episode not to be missed on World Refugee Day.
You can find out more about Ger Duany and how to support his work at gerduany.com. The Norwegian Council for Refugees in the United States website is at nrc.no and follow them at @nrc_norway on Instagram and Twitter. For more information on Newday Impact Investing and its environmental and socially responsible portfolio programsvisit newdayimpact.com.
