MICHAEL COLLINS is the executive director, AMERICAS- for INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMICS & PEACE. He develops working partnerships with Americas-based governments, civil society organizations, foundations, universities, businesses, and think tanks and seeks new opportunities to build IEP’s presence and impact throughout the Americas, with particular focus on expanding the use of IEP’s Positive Peace Framework as a training tool and an evidence-based metric for peace-centered development.  Before joining IEP, Michael oversaw educational, job creation, and economic development programs in emerging nations recovering from natural disasters, frequently working with communities affected by poverty and gang violence. Before pursuing a career in the non-profit sector, Michael studied electro-mechanical engineering and worked in the construction industry.  The Institute for Economics and Peace aims to create a paradigm shift in how the world thinks about peace. We do this by developing global and national indices, calculating the economic cost of violence, analyzing country-level risk and fragility, and understanding Positive Peace. Our research is used extensively by governments, academic institutions, think tanks, non‑governmental organizations, and intergovernmental institutions such as the OECD, The Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank, and the United Nations. The Institute headquartered is in Sydney with offices in 6 countries, and our research achieves over 20 billion media impressions across 150 countries each year. Founded by IT entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Killelea (see full bio) in 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace has profoundly impacted traditional thinking on security, defense, terrorism, and development over the last 13 years.  ********************* This Podcast aims to serve as a platform to promote culture, education, economics, peace and conflict resolution.  We offer various discussion forums, peace-building, civic education, health awareness. All who desire to be a part of this work are welcome, regardless of religious preference or background. You can visit us on @ www.bcgfederation.org