The subject of refugees is highly topical; the global media carries many stories about refugees, mostly from Syria. Yet, refugees come from all over the world, especially from Asia and the large continent of Africa.

New Zealand has agreed to take in only 1000 of these refugees. The number has just gone up from 750, with an agreed number of 250 from Syria. On 7 September 2015 the Government announced New Zealand will welcome 750 Syrian refugees in response to the ongoing conflict in Syria. Of the 750 places, 600 will be by way of a special emergency intake above New Zealand’s annual quota, and 150 places will be offered within the quota.

FuturePRoof: Edition Two is a series of 39 essays from more than 40 contributors around the world. See http://www.futureproofcomms.co.uk for a daily dose of new essays.

I'm excited to say that I wrote one chapter. Here it is:

CHAPTER 26
WHY GREAT LEADERS ARE GREAT COMMUNICATORS
by Lucia Dore

By David French, Tom Arnold and Katie Paul | DUBAI/RIYADH

The Saudi Arabian government has ended talks aimed at saving construction giant Saudi Oger, which is now facing the prospect of a multi-billion-dollar debt restructuring to stave off collapse, according to sources aware of the matter.

Oger, owned by the family of former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, was one of two mega-contractors charged with implementing the grand infrastructure and development plans of the kingdom, building everything from defense installations to schools and hospitals.

The investment implications of climate policy and low global growth will be key topics at this year’s annual meeting of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF).

The theme of the November meeting is Investing in a Climate of Uncertainty: The Sovereign Wealth Fund Response.

Corporate investment in people and technology and an individual focus on continuous professional development (CPD) will drive the public relations industry forward.

This is the key message from #FuturePRoof: Edition Two, published today [Wednesday 7 September].

RIYADH: A plan to grant long-term visas to businesspeople from developed countries will be implemented, according to an official from the Foreign Ministry.
Osama Al-Sanusi, undersecretary at the ministry for consular affairs, said the ministry is preparing agreements that would be signed between the Kingdom and such countries. Those organizing trade shows would also be allowed visas. Arrangements were being made to issue these visas online, he said.

LCD recently ensured media coverage of the activities of the chairperson of the New Zealand National Youth Refugee Youth Council, Daniel Gamboa.

An abridged screening of a documentary, “Stepping up: NZ’s response to the refugee crisis” was shown to a full house at the Rees Hotel on Saturday 1 August.

Stepping Up? New Zealand’s Response to the Refugee Crisis, is a recently produced documentary by Lucia Dore intended for the New Zealand general population and policy makers.

Imam Mohamed Magid pause as he prays at the mosque of All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in Sterling, Virginia, U.S. May 19, 2016. To match Special Report USA-EXTREMISTS/TEEN REUTERS/Carlos Barria

I recently made a documentary about the treatment of refugees in New Zealand. It's entitled "Stepping Up: New Zealand's response to the refugee crisis" and looks at some of the issues NZ faces with refugees coming into the country, including statistics of how the country compares with the rest of the world. (For more about this project go to the filmmaking section of this website).