Global ICT Response for Global Emergencies

April 18, 2007: A global conference in Egypt has highlighted the need for the international community to step up its information systems for disaster warning systems and natural disaster recovery.

The conference concluded this week in Alexandria Egypt after four days of industry, NGO and government and private sector deliberations.

In the wake of a spate of natural disasters including tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and fires, the Alexandria meeting was a step forward in guaranteeing access to information and communication facilities in the event of a disaster. Ensuring appropriate access not only speeds up rescue operations, but quickens the response for humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation.

The even was co-organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and organisations such as the UN Environment Programme, the League of Arab States and the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe.

The meeting concluded on a platform for ensuring the dissemination of vital information on disaster management, environmental monitoring and delivery of e-health services. The platform’s objectives included the need to identify the best option for disaster communications, conducting drills and simulations for ICT in disaster management and preparing information and case studies to learn and draw lessons from previous disasters.

In his open session, Sami Al-Bashee, director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau highlighted the need for emergency telecommunications. “Any disaster reduction measure that is not linked to telecommunications does not go far enough,” he said.

In March 2007, the Bandung Declaration called for the development of ICT resources for ready deployment in the event of a disaster, anywhere in the world.

The ITU has teamed up with NGO Telecoms Sans Frontieres to assist in promoting international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

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