On 25- 26 October, the Global Health Cluster and eight other humanitarian clusters, including CCCM, Education, Food Security, Logistics, Nutrition, Protection, Shelter, and Wash, collaborated on an exhibition at AidEx, a global humanitarian aid event. The presentation structured around four thematic areas highlighted the power of inter-cluster collaboration and its role in humanitarian contexts. It raised awareness about global crises and the underlying factors contributing to insecurity, emphasizing the commitment of the humanitarian community to support affected populations and amplify their voices, concerns, challenges, and hopes.
Representatives for the clusters hosted a panel on the second day of the AidEx exhibition to enhance inter-cluster coordination and collaboration. They shared experiences, particularly from contexts like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the cluster system has evolved over 15 years from an informal structure to one based on collaboration, information sharing and joint needs assessments. This evolution has made way for more efficient identification of needs and delivery of aid. Panelists noted that while progress in DRC has been made in data collection and reporting, there is still a need to transcend beyond mere data dashboards and effectively convey the real-life impacts of crises on affected communities.
Marie-Helene Kyprianou, Global Food Security Cluster, moderates the inter-cluster panel with (From left to right): Monica Ramos, Wash Cluster; Dher Hayo, CCCM Cluster; Natalie Emery, Logistics Cluster; and Jackie Keegan, UNHCR.
The panel highlighted the importance of comprehensive responses and preventing duplication, recognizing challenges in operational settings like Afghanistan. Ethiopia was showcased as a successful example of inter-cluster collaboration based on jointly identified needs.
Preparedness and anticipatory action were identified as areas for improvement, focusing on scenario planning and overcoming access limitations. Trust between clusters and the involvement of affected populations was stressed, along with the need for shared tools and a common vocabulary.
Discussions emphasized time-bound, task-specific responses and strengthening national systems. Participants acknowledged the importance of ongoing dialogue to promote collaboration for people-centred humanitarian action.