Naval War College Partners with Harvard to Improve Humanitarian Response

The U.S. Naval War College’s College of Operational and Strategic Leadership has partnered with the Harvard School of Public Health to improve the coordination and cooperation between military, nongovernmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations during humanitarian disasters.

The inaugural meeting was held Nov. 6 at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative in Cambridge, Mass., and the strategic partnership was established in May with the signing of a research and education memorandum of understanding.

“After 18 months of informal collaboration between COSL and HSPH, it is thrilling to finally sit down and begin formal discussions on possible partnership activities,” said COSL professor Dave Polatty, who spearheaded the initiative with HSPH’s Dr. Michael Lappi. “Our goal from the very first discussion in early 2013 was to find innovative ways to improve the effectiveness of responding organizations during major disasters.

“If we can invest now in multidisciplinary educational programs that enable militaries, NGOs and IGOs to better synchronize and integrate their humanitarian response activities, we should all be better prepared for the next major crisis and ultimately be able to save more lives and alleviate suffering in the wake of these horrific events.”

Lappi agrees, adding that the partnership creates an opportunity to share world-renowned experts in multiple fields that will enhance the effectiveness of our future military and civilian leaders.

”We’re counting on COSL to provide our students with an unparalleled access to the foundational elements of leadership and planning, generally reserved for our senior officers,” said Lappi. “In return, we hope to provide COSL with an academic and experience-based appreciation of humanitarian principles and operations far beyond anything previously offered to military officers.”

According to Kelly, this collaborative exchange of intellectual capital can only lead to improved response.

“The partnership between COSL and HSPH brings together faculty from two of our nation’s leading academic institutions,” Kelly said. “We are confident that the alliance will significantly and positively improve the future of civilian–military responses to humanitarian crises.”