The ongoing East Africa Regional Grant Acquisition Management (GAM) and Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) Skills Share Forum, organized by World Vision, has not only fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders but has also spotlighted the pressing need for creative strategies in resource mobilization and disaster response.

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Spanning from August 7 to 10, this four-day event, which brought together representatives from UN agencies, World Vision, local NGOs, and government entities, aims to leverage local assets for sustainable support, enhance resource diversity, and bolster the region&039;s readiness to manage emergencies effectively.

Tackling resource challenges

In a press interview, Philippe Habinshuti, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, articulated a forward-looking vision: "Together, we should foster sustainable integration which will help the government in speeding up the implementation of Refugee Graduation Strategy that seeks to help refugees in becoming self-reliant."

"The discussions in this skills sharing event are centered around enhancing collaboration and optimizing our limited resources as humanitarian actors. Our goal is to address multiple priorities more effectively, ensuring improved protection and assistance for those in need," he said.

Enhancing disaster preparedness

Joseph Kamara, Humanitarian Emergency Director, at World Vision East Africa Regional Office, shed light on the regional dynamics: "East Africa hosts a significant number of refugees, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and the DRC. These large refugee populations place strain on host communities and existing resources, leading to challenges in providing adequate assistance and protection.

The East African region has been grappling with recurrent cycles of drought, unpredictable weather patterns, and crop failures, all of which contribute to severe food insecurity. Countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya have faced repeated bouts of drought and famine, leaving millions in dire need of urgent food assistance."

"What I find particularly promising in Rwanda's approach is the localization agenda, which offers hope for a better future. I'm especially intrigued by their graduation model, where individuals are categorized based on their vulnerabilities and provided targeted support to progress to the next stage. This approach holds value not just in the humanitarian realm but also aligns with the broader sustainable development agenda. By embracing this model and adapting it to different contexts, I am confident it could make a monumental difference," Kamara said.

Leveraging technology and innovation for humanitarian excellence

Boubacar Bamba, Deputy Representative for UNHCR, emphasized the significance of engaging in humanitarian gatherings: "It is always beneficial for us to actively participate in processes that support humanitarian efforts. African countries do face a gap in data collection and analysis, a challenge that we are gradually addressing with the tools at our disposal.

The advancement of powerful computer systems and mechanisms has enabled us to conduct more in-depth analyses, even foreseeing potential trends. Furthermore, the emergence of artificial intelligence has introduced a new dimension, aiding in the design of responses and forecasting to anticipate disasters."

"By leveraging these technological developments, we can enhance our capabilities significantly. By dedicating time to employ these innovations, we can effectively analyze available data and preempt potential emergency situations. This proactive approach not only aids in formulating swift contingency responses but also strengthens our capacity for planning both humanitarian and developmental activities, informed by evidence-based decision-making processes," he said.

Climate change and sustainable solutions

According to Mishadi Perera, Business Development Manager at World Vision US, World Vision took swift action by initiating the East Africa Hunger Emergency Response (EAHER). This response entailed the mobilization of both internal and donor resources, aimed at preserving and safeguarding lives.

Perera highlighted the compounding effects of climate change on these challenges, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable agricultural practices and bolstering resilience.

"The region of East Africa is particularly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, characterized by escalating temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and a heightened occurrence of extreme weather phenomena such as floods and droughts. These environmental factors significantly impede agriculture, impair water availability, and disrupt livelihoods, thereby intensifying the problems of food insecurity and population displacement," she said.

A platform for collaborative progress

The event aims not only to celebrate achievements but also to consolidate learnings and strategize for the future. With a focus on addressing challenges through innovative solutions, the participants evaluated trends, explored new initiatives, and engaged external partners and donors.

Panel discussions also shed light on the collective impact of NGOs and other stakeholders in emergency response and how their collaboration can be amplified during and after crises.