Aiming collectively for strengthened humanitarian coordination and response from local to global level, we are witnessing the increasing relevance of NGO fora and consortia at national, regional and global levels. Understanding how these fora and consortia function, and how NGOs can engage in these structures, was the topic of the third session of the learning stream on humanitarian coordination, jointly organized by ICVA and PHAP.

In this session, participants were provided with examples of good practice of NGO-led fora and consortia, highlighting the challenges and opportunities to engage for both local and international NGOs. Guest experts explored their added value, and answered live questions from participants throughout the session.

Follow-up responses and interview with Raphael Gorgeu

Read the written responses to the follow-up questions by the guest experts

Read the interview with Raphael Gorgeu from ICVA on the main aspects and value of NGO collective work

Recommended resources

• David Sogge, “New organisational frameworks: the importance of joint action,” Conference Report, Jornadas Eficacia del Desarrollo y ONGDs: renovando nuestro papel, 2011
• Kathrin Schick, “Humanitarian NGO Networks,” in Pat Gibbons et al, Working in Conflict - Working on Conflict: Humanitarian Dilemmas and Challenges, HumanitarianNet, University of Deusto, 2006 (pp. 95-103)
• NGO Coordination Resource Centre's website

Geneva Humanitarian Connector

This event was made possible through the Geneva Humanitarian Connector, an initiative of PHAP supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Learning objectives

• Understanding of the concept and diverse role of NGO fora and consortia
• Knowledge of the different forms of NGO fora and consortia
• Familiarity with the main NGO-led fora and consortia of international and regional relevance
• Awareness of the added value and trends for NGOs to engage in such fora and consortia
• Familiarity with sources of information on NGO-led fora and consortia

Target audience and event access

The event is particularly targeted to those working in international and national NGOs engaged in humanitarian action, who are seeking for a stronger understanding of the various humanitarian coordination mechanisms. The event is also open to the public.

Learning stream on humanitarian coordination

As part of the learning stream on humanitarian coordination, this event was the third session of six live interactive online learning events that ICVA and PHAP have organized in the coming months with the purpose of providing NGOs and humanitarian workers with a stronger understanding of the humanitarian coordination mechanisms at global, regional, and country levels.