Logistics Emergency Teams

Here's a message from the Geneva-based World Economic Forum:

"In case of a major humanitarian disaster, the primary mechanism for coordinating humanitarian assistance is the Cluster system - unique cooperation involving key UN and non-UN humanitarian partners.


The Logistics Emergency Teams (LET) developed by the World Economic Forum and partner companies are the first example of a successful operational partnership between the private sector and the Cluster system. The Logistics Emergency Teams have deployed in support of emergency relief efforts in Mozambique, Philippines, Pakistan, Haiti, Indonesia, Myanmar, Chile, Japan and the Horn of Africa since 2008.

This week LET and the Forum hosted the global meeting of the Logistics Cluster [at Forum Headquarters] in Cologny - bringing together our partner companies with over 50 humanitarian logistics leads from the World Food Programme, World Health Organization, OXFAM, Save the Children, UN Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, and many others.

This meeting allowed a global sharing of best practices and lessons learned. It is an excellent example of multistakeholder cooperation to assist those in need. We will continue to support the further development of the Logistics Emergency Teams to improve preparedness for emergency response."

Every Little Bit Helps!

We've all heard the news about the worst drought in decades in the Horn of Africa and the ensuing famine. According to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), "The impact of the drought has been exacerbated by high local cereal prices, excess livestock mortality, conflict and restricted humanitarian access in some areas."

Rather than passively hearing about the catastrophe, each and every one of us can act to offer a little bit of relief to the victims of this crisis. Please consider making a difference by making a donation to Médecins Sans Frontières. The organization states it relies on public support for 2 important reasons:

-"To ensure the freedom to provide humanitarian assistance whenever and wherever it is needed.

- To remain independent from political, religious and economic interests."

80% of funds received by Doctors Without Borders go to program activities, 16% to fundraising and 4% for administration.

Another effort, run by Swiss Solidarity partner-organizations, is carrying out emergency relief aid on the ground. Yet Swiss Solidarity states on its website that, "The needs of the famine victims are overwhelming." Click here to donate online. Every little bit helps.