Humanitarian networks

From the Blog

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ADRRN and the future of humanitarian action, by Kim Scriven (17 February 2012)

Strengthening humanitarian networks: Applying the network functions approach by ALNAP, ODI and ICVA can be downloaded here. This has already been utilised by a number of networks across the sector, including both ALNAP and ICVA, INEE, Global Network on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Shelter Centre. Most recently, the clusters have started to use it as a starting point for their work on accountability.

The past few decades have seen significant expansion in the number and scale of inter-organisational networks associated with humanitarian policy and programming. Such networks dominate governance within the system and are likely to continue to guide and coordinate humanitarian practice and policy.

High-profile and established global networks include:

  • the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)
  • the Global Humanitarian Platform (GHP)
  • the Good Humanitarian Donorship initiative (GHD)
  • the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR)
  • the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP)
  • the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA)
  • the Humanitarian Practice Network (HPN)
  • the Sphere Initiative
  • new practice-oriented networks within the UN-led cluster approach, linking different humanitarian actors working within particular sectors.

ALNAP, in collaboration with ODI and ICVA, has developed and refined an approach to analysing and strengthening humanitarian networks.

In collaboration with Northern and Southern networks, ALNAP subsequently initiated a project to strengthen the capacities of regional networks of Southern actors. This has involved work with the Asian Disaster Reduction & Response Network (ADRRN) to help develop its new three-year strategy. 

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