UN launches platform to enhance disaster response in E Africa

The United Nations (UN) agencies on Tuesday launched a platform to strengthen strategic collaboration with the private sector in disaster response across the eastern African region.

Senior officials from the Kenyan government, UN agencies and the private sector attended the launch of the humanitarian private sector partnership platform (HPPP) for East Africa.

In his opening remarks, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Joseph Nkaissery underscored the role of businesses to strengthen humanitarian interventions.

"As humanitarian disasters increase tenfold in this region, it is an imperative for governments, civil society and multilateral agencies to engage more proactively with the business community," Nkaissery said.

He noted that Kenya has developed vibrant policies and legislation to promote private sector involvement in disaster response.

"There is need to shift away from a single event donation to durable private sector involvement in efforts to address natural and man-made disasters," Nkaissery said.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) is behind the creation of platform to enhance business engagement in disaster response.

Pete Manfield, Head of UNOCHA's eastern and southern Africa region, said that strategic engagement with the business community will offer lasting solutions to humanitarian disasters affecting local communities.

"The traditional approaches to addressing humanitarian disasters can no longer work hence the need to engage businesses that often deliver practical solutions," Manfield remarked.

Humanitarian disasters that are both natural and man-made have spiked in the grater horn of Africa region.

Manfield stressed that a partnership with the private sector is crucial in order to have long-term solutions to the challenge of refugees and climate change induced vagaries in the region.

Multinationals and Kenyan listed companies have partnered with UN agencies to strengthen response to humanitarian disasters.

Raouf Mazou, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Kenya, said a partnership with the private sector has enabled UN agencies to initiate projects in health, education and entrepreneurship for displaced persons.

"Private corporations should harness immense opportunities in the humanitarian sector, which include provision of clean water and health services, cash transfer for the vulnerable, and trainings for young refugees," said Mazou. Enditem