Disaster Relief Communications
When disasters strike, people need food, shelter, blankets, and medicine—but without an effective communications network, supplies are left undelivered, and relief workers are unable to do their jobs.
The United Nations Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Partnership helps emergency relief workers respond more quickly and effectively and reconnects families separated by disaster. The partnership supports the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the UN’s lead agency tasked with security communications in disaster response, and Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF), a humanitarian NGO that deploys lifesaving mobile and satellite technology for UN relief missions. Both groups can deploy to anywhere in the world within 48 hours.
In 2009, the WFP aimed to feed around 100 million people in 80 countries, supported by a wide range of experts and volunteers. In addition, the UN Foundation funds Vodafone employees to work directly with the WFP in their field offices.
With UN Foundation and Vodafone Foundation funding, WFP and TSF teams provide vital telecommunication support to the UN and other humanitarian agencies during emergencies. View some examples of these recent deployments by exploring the interactive map below.
To view a full list of deployments since 2006, click here.
Click and drag your mouse over the map to view other regions.
View Larger Map
The UN Foundation and Vodafone Foundation Technology Partnership has taken its commitment to supporting WFP’s emergency communications capacity in disaster response one step further through the Vodafone Foundation’s “World of Difference” program. In June 2009, this program placed four Vodafone employees in WFP offices around the world, adding human capital to the Technology Partnership’s overall support for WFP’s vital services in emergencies. Click here [link to landing page] to learn more.
STORIES OF IMPACT
Communications saves lives, brings hope after Haiti earthquake
Area of Involvement: Technology
After a deadly earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, millions of people faced the isolating reality of having no telephone or Internet connection. Immediately following the disaster, two teams of telecommunications and technology experts from Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) deployed to Haiti with support from the UN Foundation & Vodafone Foundation Technology Partnership.
Rapid Hurricane Response: Haiti
Area of Involvement: Technology
Summer 2008 was a tough time for Haiti. In August and September 2008, three consecutive hurricanes – Gustav, Hanna and Ike – devastated the island nation. Once again, the UN Foundation’s Technology Program supported the use of mobile technology to help reconnect families, aid workers and emergency response missions during this crisis.
RESOURCES
-
New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts: The Role of Information and Social Networks
Issue Area: Technology
Our latest report -- New Technologies in Emergencies and Conflicts: The Role of Information and Social Networks -- looks at innovation in the use of technology along the timeline of crisis response, from emergency preparedness and alerts to recovery and rebuilding. It profiles organizations whose work is advancing the frontlines of innovation, offers an overview of international efforts to increase sophistication in the use of IT and social networks during emergencies, and provides recommendations for how governments, aid groups and international organizations can leverage this innovation to improve community resilience.
-
UN Foundation Newsletter (Fall 2009)
Issue Area: Children’s Health
Issue Area: Climate & Energy
Issue Area: Sustainable Development
Issue Area: Technology
Issue Area: UN-US Relations
Issue Area: Women & Population
A semi-annual newsletter highlighting the UN Foundation's programs and people.
