ICCG - ISCG Dialogue: Knowledge Sharing, Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Emergency Preparedness and Response (April 2024)

The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) - Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) Dialogue was convened over two days on 29-30 April 2024, featuring a comprehensive workshop at Sayeman Beach Resort in Cox’s Bazar, followed by a field visit to the Rohingya camps and host communities. The primary objectives of the dialogue were to facilitate mutual understanding of humanitarian coordination structures, exchange experiences and best practices between Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka and enhance coordination across humanitarian efforts.

The workshop, jointly organized by ISCG, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and involved the participation of 59 representatives from the Humanitarian Coordination Task Team (HCTT), ISCG, and OCHA. The event was inaugurated by ISCG Principal Coordinator, Mr. David Bugden, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Gwyn Lewis (online).

Designed to be interactive, the dialogue fostered open discussion and exchange of ideas among ISCG and ICCG participants. Key sessions included presentations on national and Cox’s Bazar humanitarian coordination systems, lessons from Cyclone Mocha on preparedness and response, proposed roles for future preparedness, and identifying next steps for collaboration. During these sessions, participants pinpointed several action areas for improved collaboration.

The field visit on 30 April enabled participants to observe best practices and identify cross-learning opportunities within the Rohingya camps and host communities in Ukhiya. Eight projects focusing on emergency preparedness and response were showcased. The visit concluded with a debriefing session at the ISCG compound, utilizing mentimeter.com for participant feedback.

ICCG and ISCG agreed on the following priority actions for the next six months, and beyond, to ensure enhanced coordination for emergency preparedness and response.