The role of telecommunications in disaster reduction is critical in order to improve the timely flow of crucial information needed for appropriate assistance to be delivered before, during and after the disaster.
The
ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies (IFCE) is designed by ITU to primarily deliver and deploy telecommunications/information and communication resources to countries, humanitarian actors, and victims of disasters in a timely manner whenever and wherever disasters may occur through the use of transportable, easy to deploy and reliable systems that are non-exclusive.
ITU is vigorously forging partnerships with the private sector to finance activities related to disaster mitigation with the aim of saving lives.
Japan bolsters ITU's emergency communications capacity
Financial contribution to aid countries affected by natural disasters
In a statement, the Government of Japan said:
"We would like to contribute CHF 158,000 to the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies (IFCE). Since we greatly benefitted from the IFCE after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we truly understand the importance of IFCE. We hope our contribution will be utilized for Member States that are affected by disasters and need communication measures."
ITU deployed broadband satellite terminals to Japan in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the north eastern coast of Japan in March 2011.
"The people of Japan deserve great praise for the way they dealt with the crisis that enveloped their lives following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the bereaved and to those who lost their property and their livelihoods," said ITU Secretary General Hamadoun Touré
. "I am grateful that the Government of Japan, which is still recovering from such a massive disaster, is contributing generously to our humanitarian activities."
Marking the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan hosted a Symposium on the use of telecommunications/ICT before and during emergencies.
"I was touched by Japan's generosity when they sponsored the participation of many developing countries to an information- sharing Symposium," said Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau.
"I call upon other partners to emulate Japan's initiative to support ITU's emergency communications and to help save lives of millions of people across the globe."
ITU and Luxembourg to cooperate in telecommunications for disaster response
Emergency satellite communications platform bolsters global humanitarian intervention
ITU and the Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg have agreed to cooperate on strengthening emergency telecommunications and rapid response in the event of natural disasters. ITU and Luxembourg are members of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), comprising of UN agencies and other humanitarian partners.
The Government of Luxembourg has developed a nomadic satellite-based telecommunication system – 'emergency.lu' – aimed at assisting humanitarian agencies respond to communities affected by natural disasters, conflicts or protracted crises. This platform will be available as a global public good to the international humanitarian community as of 1 January 2012, with Luxembourg funding its development, implementation, operation and maintenance to the tune of € 17.2 million.
Under the umbrella of the "ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies" (IFCE), ITU will encourage its 193 Member States to use the 'emergency.lu' platform and facilitate the rapid deployment of emergency telecommunication systems in the event of a sudden-onset disaster, or a longer-term deployment in chronic or recurrent humanitarian contexts or as part of a preparedness strategy in developing countries. ITU will negotiate appropriate regulatory and legal frameworks with Administrations, particularly Telecommunications Regulatory Authorities, to assist in the deployment. IFCE is an ITU communications initiative to assist the humanitarian community in disaster response. IFCE and emergency.lu will be jointly and individually deployed within two hours of notification using every possible means, including custom-fitted aircraft, depending on the nature and magnitude of the disaster.
SmartBridges enhances ITU's emergency work
Has contributed to support ITU's response efforts in the Haiti emergency by deploying Wi-Fi units to enhance the telecommunication networks after the disaster.
Kyrgyz Telecom helps ITU on the Haiti emergency
Geneva, 8 October 2009
ITU, Inmarsat and Vizada SAS have reached an agreement to improve emergency communications for disaster preparedness and to coordinate relief activities in the aftermath of a disaster. Inmarsat and Vizada are donating 70 state-of-the-art, highly-portable satellite devices capable of delivering voice and broadband data, to the ITU. The equipment will enhance ITU's capacity in deploying mobile telecommunications to assist countries in preparing for disaster and in strengthening response and recovery mechanisms.
FedEx supports ITU response Efforts in Haiti
In response to the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010, FeDex provided airfreight support to ITU emergency telecommunications. In previous disasters such as the Sichuan earthquake in China, FeDex also provided free airfreight services to ITU. ITU wishes to express profound appreciation for this assistance and looks forward to continued close cooperation with FedEx in the future.
ITU, Inmarsat and Vizada sign a deal to boost disaster preparedness and recovery efforts
Geneva, 8 October 2009
ITU, Inmarsat and Vizada SAS have reached an agreement to improve emergency communications for disaster preparedness and to coordinate relief activities in the aftermath of a disaster.
Inmarsat and Vizada are donating 70 state-of-the-art, highly-portable satellite devices capable of delivering voice and broadband data, to the ITU. The equipment will enhance ITU's capacity in deploying mobile telecommunications to assist countries in preparing for disaster and in strengthening response and recovery mechanisms.
ITU and Qualcomm enhance mobile telecommunication capacity for emergencies
Geneva, 9 July 2009
ITU and Qualcomm Incorporated have reached an agreement to improve emergency communications for disaster preparedness and to coordinate relief activities in the aftermath of a disaster.
Qualcomm is donating to ITU a Qualcomm Deployable Base Station (QDBS) with a total estimated value of nearly USD 500,000. The base station will enhance ITU's capacity in deploying mobile telecommunications to assist countries in preparing for disaster and in strengthening response and recovery mechanisms.
Based on 3G CDMA technology, QDBS is a compact, quickly deployable and easy to operate mobile solution for providing first-responder communications. This reliable, responsive and complete cellular system can be forward-deployed to supply vital wireless communications.
"We are delighted by this alliance with one of our development Sector Members," said Mr Sami Al Basheer, Director of ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau. "QDBS brings with it the wireless technology that is so essential in bridging the telecommunication gap when terrestrial networks are knocked out by natural disasters."
Qualcomm provides wireless solutions that are relevant and critical in responding to disasters. Through its Wireless ReachTM initiative, Qualcomm works with organizations such as ITU to bring wireless technology to those who need it most.
"We are proud to work with ITU and provide a useful system to enhance their emergency communications programme," said Shawn A. Covell, Senior Director of International Government Affairs for Qualcomm.
"Wireless Reach is fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with ITU in order to help make a difference when a disaster strikes."
Saudi Telecom Company boosts ITU's Emergency Telecommunications Fund
The Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has made a contribution of fifty thousand (50,000) Swiss Francs to the ITU Emergency Telecommunication Fund. In making this contribution, STC president Mr. Saud Majeed Al Daweesh stated that, "Saudi Telecom Company (STC) very much values its relationship with International Telecommunications Union (ITU). We are quite moved by the humanitarian services provided by the Emergency Fund of ITU. STC would like to be part of such a noble cause and it gives me great pleasure to make a contribution of Fifty thousand (50,000) Swiss francs into the Emergency Fund."
In a letter thanking the President of STC, the ITU Secretary General Dr. Hamadoun I. Toure stated that
"The 50,000 Swiss francs which you have contributed will go a long way in supporting the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies (IFCE), an initiative that I also recently launched with the aim of making Information and Communication Technologies play a vital role in mitigating the impact of disasters particularly during the response phase of disaster management. The generous contribution by Saudi Telecom Company will touch humanity across the globe as no region or country is immune to the scourge of disasters"