UNESCO participation in UN Post-Crisis coordination mechanisms
Conflicts and Natural Disasters remain massive impediments to the achievement of Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals. UN system-wide reforms in post-conflict and post-disaster (PCPD) response have focused on coherence in filling gaps during the transition from humanitarian response to reconstruction and “Peacebuilding”. This implies a broader mobilization by the UN system during the “Early Recovery” phase, which corresponds to assistance beyond life-saving relief activities, particularly in the reactivation of public service delivery through capacity-building and technical advice and assistance. A sharper UN focus on Early Recovery and Peacebuilding is in line with UNESCO’s mandates and actual capacities. It is at this stage that UNESCO has an added-value to bring.
Following an independent Humanitarian Response Review initiated by the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator in 2005, the cluster approach was recommended as a way to address gaps and strengthen the effectiveness of humanitarian responses through building partnerships. Clusters have been established for eleven sector and operational priorities. UNESCO is a member of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Humanitarian Education Cluster and Early Recovery Cluster, and their two global Working Groups. UNESCO is also a member of relevant clusters at the country level in countries where UNESCO participates in post-conflict or post-disaster responses.
UNESCO is also a member of the Sub-Working Group on the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP SWG) which is a Subsidiary Body of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). The IASC is an inter-agency forum for coordination, policy development and decision-making involving the key UN and non-UN humanitarian partners. The IASC was established in June 1992 in response to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 on the strengthening of humanitarian assistance. General Assembly Resolution 48/57 affirmed its role as the primary mechanism for inter-agency coordination of humanitarian assistance.
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