International Telecommunication Union (ITU) joins network to boost connectivity in humanitarian crises

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) signed the Crisis Connectivity Charter, joining forces with a global network working to strengthen telecommunications services for humanitarian responders, ensuring seamless collaboration in emergencies and enabling faster disaster responses.

“ITU is very proud to be a part of this significant new milestone in bringing ICTs to the aid of people in need,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao, who signed the Charter during the ITU Telecom World 2019 in Budapest, Hungary. “This Crisis Connectivity Charter is an example of what the UN family, the industry and other stakeholders can do when they come together to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues,” he added.

The Crisis Connectivity Charter sets out a process to accelerate access to satellite-based communications when local networks are affected after a disaster. It supports the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)-led Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) in implementing its activities to support humanitarian responders and enable them to save lives.

“The Charter is a prime example of humanitarian agencies and the private sector working together to boost humanitarian response. ITU is an integral part of this collaboration and we welcome its inclusion as a Charter signatory,” said Rehan Asad, Chief of Staff at WFP, which leads the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC).

The ITU maintains crucial relationships with information and communications technology (ICT) ministries and telecommunications regulators globally. In times of crisis, strong coordination with government agencies is essential; the Charter will benefit from the ITU’s strategic connections.

The Charter was signed in 2015 and expanded in 2018 with the signing of contribution agreements by eight satellite operators (Arabsat, Eutelsat, Global Eagle, Hispasat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, SES, and Yahsat). Under the contribution agreements, Charter signatories have committed satellite equipment and capacity to humanitarian purposes during emergency responses. The Charter can be activated when a disaster strikes and can identify which pre-planned solutions can be deployed to meet the rapid deployment timelines of a crisis, strengthening the ability of emergency responders to meet humanitarian needs during disasters.

Original source: WFP
Published on 11 September 2019