Improving Logistics - World Food Programme 2007

Canada continues to support the Global Humanitarian Reform Agenda. A system-wide review of humanitarian response has identified the provision of logistics in emergency response situations as an area requiring further improvement. As such Canada is providing support to the World Food Programme (WFP) as the Global Cluster lead to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to deliver a more effective and predictable logistics response during emergencies. Logistics officers from the various UN agencies international organizations non-governmental organizations International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies need to work even closer together to be more operationally cohesive in the theatre of an emergency. There are two elements to this - contingency planning (including stockpiling) and emergency response. The global logistics cluster provides surge capacity in the form of Logistics Response Teams (LRTs) for rapid assessment of logistics needs. In 2007 it is a top priority to complete the formation and training of these teams to ensure sufficient expertise and surge capacity. The 2007 Global Logistics Cluster work plan aims to: i) initiate inter-agency/organizational logistics planning to compliment the contingency planning process; ii) work in support of other clusters on stockpiling strategies for relief items; iii) advocate for increased logistics staffing and stockpiled logistics support equipment for other clusters; iv) support the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in maintaining the stockpile register; v) promote improved and where necessary standardized terminology and monitoring/tracking systems; vi) ensure that surge capacity in the form of fully trained logistics officers are available when needed; vii) provide technical support and normative guidance to members and field logistics clusters including on cross cutting issues; and viii) facilitate joint training programmes.