Global Shelter Cluster Coordination Workshop 2024

This session was delivered by: Lizzie Babister

During this session, Coordinators engaged in an exercise to assess the relevance of the current priority themes in the  GSC Research Agenda , developed to guide researchers in addressing key areas for shelter and settlement practitioners. The session provided an opportunity for Coordinators to express whether these themes still represent the most pressing questions that lack sufficient evidence.

Coordinators reaffirmed the priority themes with 28 countries supporting ‘Moving from Relief to the Longer-Term’, 23 countries affirming the ‘Wider Impacts of Shelter and Settlements’, and 19 countries endorsing ‘Cash and Markets Assistance’. Additionally, Coordinators emphasised the need for support from the GSC and research institutes in translating research findings into practical actions for field application. They highlighted the importance of mapping and linking to national universities, particularly in areas where no academic institutions are functioning.

The session also underscored the role of governments in research, especially in facilitating studies and linking to local research institutions. Coordinators identified additional areas of interest, including market capacity, cash liquidity challenges, winterisation and climate change impacts. Coordinators who were not present at the workshop will be invited to participate in a similar online exercise to provide their input.

1. Reaffirmation of priority themes: Coordinators confirmed the relevance of the current research themes, ensuring they address the most urgent needs in shelter and settlement practices.

2. Support for practical application: Emphasised the need for GSC and research institutes to help translate research findings into actionable field strategies.

3. Academic and governmental linkages: Highlighted the importance of connecting with national universities and involving governments in research initiatives.

4. Broadening research focus: Identified additional areas such as market capacity, cash liquidity, winterisation and climate change as critical research topics.

You can find the presentation for this session  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Mamen Sancha

This session focused on the evolving concept of ABC within global policies and its implications for cluster coordination. The session featured presentations by:

Randa Hassan, Humanitarian Affairs Officer at OCHA

Sendralahatra Rakotondradalo, Senior Shelter Cluster Coordinator in DRC.

Mamen Sancha opened the session, introducing the topic and the speakers. Randa Hassan presented the current work being done by the GCCG on ABC and OCHA's vision for its implementation. She emphasised the need for clarity and learning within OCHA to evaluate different ABC practices globally. Randa shared her experiences from Mosul and the Philippines, highlighting successful examples of localisation and area-based approaches in disaster response. She noted that area-based approaches should bring issues closer to the strategic level and stressed that clusters and area-based approaches can work together complementarily.

Sendralahatra Rakotondradalo (Lala) presented the specific challenges and opportunities for the Shelter Cluster regarding ABC. She highlighted the need for a common understanding of what constitutes an "area" and the importance of involving local authorities and affected people in decision-making processes. Lala emphasised the need to be clear on the accountability of the technical and strategic aspects of the shelter response and how the Shelter Cluster plays a unique role at this point. Finally, she mentioned that area-based approaches require significant investment and should focus on capacity building at the local level to ensure sustainable and effective coordination.

The presentation for this session can be found  HERE 

The session included a discussion facilitated by Randa and Lala, addressing key questions such as the added value of ABC to response coordination, how clusters can better support ABC, and examples of successful ABC implementations. Participants raised concerns about potential competition for resources, duplication of efforts and the need for clear definitions and guidelines for ABC. The “deep field coordination model” implemented in South Sudan, with a strong operational nature, was mentioned as a good practice by Randa. Lala emphasised the need to ensure the technical leadership, quality assurance, response design and assessment of the response by the Shelter Clusters.

Key feedback from the floor included:

· Differences between area-based/settlements approaches; area-base coordination and subnational coordination, and the need for clarity in these definitions.

· The importance of integrating ABC with existing cluster systems to avoid duplication and enhance coordination.

· The potential risks of ABC becoming a pull factor, attracting resources disproportionately to specific areas.

· The necessity for better communication and coordination at both national and subnational levels.

Randa reiterated that the GCCG is committed to refining ABC practices and that feedback from Cluster Coordinators is crucial for shaping future approaches. She emphasised that ABC should not replace clusters, but rather complement and enhance them. Lala highlighted the importance of involving local actors and ensuring that affected populations are central to decision-making processes.

For details on consultations to participants you can access this document  HERE .

The session concluded with a call for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to refine ABC approaches. Both Randa and Lala stressed the need for continuous feedback from field coordinators to ensure that ABC practices are effectively integrated and support the overall humanitarian response. It was acknowledged that the process is currently under development, and there was a need to keep the conversation at GCCG and ICCG levels. The session underscored the importance of balancing new initiatives with maintaining core cluster functions and enhancing the capacity of local actors to ensure a more effective and sustainable coordination mechanism.

Participants expressed several key messages to OCHA and ICCGs regarding the implementation and integration of ABC:

1. Integration and clarity: Many participants stressed that ABC should be integrated within existing cluster coordination structures to avoid confusion and duplication. There is a call for clear definitions, objectives and frameworks to better understand and implement ABC.

2. Complementarity: ABC should complement rather than replace existing clusters. Participants emphasised the need for a balanced approach, maintaining technical leadership and accountability within clusters while integrating ABC.

3. Resource allocation: Concerns were raised about resource allocation, potential competition for limited resources, and ensuring that ABC does not drain existing resources needed for clusters.

4. Government role and local involvement: Strengthening the role of local governments and involving national and local actors in decision-making processes were highlighted as essential for effective ABC.

5. Operational challenges and practicalities: Participants noted the need for practical frameworks and models, expressing frustration over the lack of a clear, adoptable model for ABC after years of discussions. Specific challenges included defining geographical areas and mitigating the risk of ABC becoming a pull factor for resources.

6. Humanitarian and development coordination: The creation of platforms for coordination between humanitarian and development actors was recommended to enhance localisation and resilience efforts.

These insights reflect a need for OCHA to provide more guidance and support to ensure the successful integration of ABC within the existing humanitarian coordination mechanisms.

You can find the full detailed feedback to OCHA in the following document  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Stephanie Loose

This session fostered exchange between country cluster teams on how Shelter Clusters are (or could be) contributing to advancing durable solutions and enforce (self-) recovery approaches as well as providing an overview of global frameworks on durable solutions. The session featured insights from various countries, emphasising the importance of integrated, cross-sectoral collaboration, thus linking to the prior sessions on those topics. Short interventions for setting the scene were provided by:

· John Wain (Ukraine Shelter Cluster)

· Francesca Lubrano (Cameroon Shelter Cluster)

· Mohammad Baqir Haidari (Afghanistan Shelter Cluster)

·  Mr. Anjon Chandra Paul (Bangladesh Shelter Cluster).

The Shelter Cluster Coordinators shared their experiences, discussing the challenges of:

· Contributing to Durable Solutions Working Groups

· Developing solutions (with durable/sustainable/dignified shelter solutions being among the first steps for people to recover and advance solutions)

· Defining the role of Shelter Cluster Coordinators in enhancing coordination with local authorities and other actors (including development actors).

Shelter Cluster teams from other countries, including Nigeria and Yemen, contributed their expertise to the discussion.

 The session highlighted the importance of government ownership in scaling up solutions, the need for integrated approaches and cross-sectoral coordination for more sustainable shelter and settlements, and the integration of local authorities and affected populations in decision-making processes. Participants emphasised the significance of creating an enabling environment for self-recovery, utilising shelter as an entry point for broader cross-sectoral collaboration, and ensuring transparency and accountability towards affected populations.

1. Increasing ownership of local actors: Effective durable solutions require local authorities and affected populations to be included in decision-making processes.

2. Cross-sectoral collaboration: Enhanced collaboration across sectors can significantly improve the sustainability and quality of shelter and settlement responses and advance more integrated approaches, based on the  defined criteria  for durable solutions.

3. Community engagement: Active engagement with crises-affected populations empowers people to find the best solutions to their current situation, and helps them to have long-term, sustainable shelters and allows them to advance towards a dignified, self-reliant life.

You can find the presentation for this session  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Madeleine Marara, Mandy George & Charles Kelly

This session emphasised the critical need to integrate environmental considerations into shelter and settlement planning. Led by the Global Shelter Cluster Green Team, the session provided an overview of the team's support, including capacity building, technical support and the development of guidelines and strategic documents. Participants engaged in breakout group discussions to identify barriers to improving environmental integration, such as limited policies, guidance, information, personnel, tools, procedures, partner interest and funding. The discussions also focused on proposing solutions to these constraints, emphasising the need for actionable steps to operationalise environmental resources and guidance.

Feedback from participants was highly positive, with a strong call for more extensive sessions and clearer guidelines on environmental action. The session concluded with a plenary discussion and the agreement to collect and collate results, draft a report for the Global Shelter Team, and hold follow-up web meetings to discuss the findings. Participants appreciated the session's depth but expressed a need for more time to delve into practical implementations and strategies. Group work during the session highlighted the need for environmental mainstreaming in cluster strategies, development of environmental profiles, capacity building for local authorities, and advocacy for policy enforcement.

1. Need for clear guidelines: There is a strong demand for detailed guidelines and frameworks to effectively incorporate climate action into shelter and settlement planning.

2. Enhanced engagement: Participants expressed a need for longer and more comprehensive sessions to thoroughly explore practical strategies for environmental sustainability.

3. Sustainability in practice: Highlighted the importance of sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy and local materials, to reduce environmental impacts and enhance community resilience.

4. Ongoing dialogue: Emphasised the need for continuous discussions and knowledge sharing to keep pushing the boundaries of integrating climate action in humanitarian efforts.

5. Capacity building and advocacy: Identified the need for capacity building for local authorities, development of environmental profiles, and stronger advocacy for policy enforcement and implementation.

You can find the presentation of this session  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Angel Pascual

This session equipped cluster coordination teams with a comprehensive understanding of funding mechanisms and emphasised proactive donor engagement. The session began with an overview of various funding sources, including CERF funds, OCHA country pool funds and multilateral and bilateral funding. Key strategies for engaging donors were discussed, such as maintaining regular contact with local donors, building relationships with new donors, and keeping advocacy materials up to date. Participants learned the importance of being prepared for funding opportunities by training cluster members in proposal writing and having ready proposals.

Participants then engaged in group discussions to brainstorm innovative ideas for donor engagement and resource mobilisation. Proposals included organising donor conferences, conducting joint field missions, using digital storytelling, and developing interactive training games for donors. For resource mobilisation, ideas ranged from creating online platforms to showcase the impact of donor contributions to organising Shelter Expos with community participation.

Additionally, the groups provided feedback on best practices for engaging with donors, such as bilateral meetings, newsletters and regular briefings. They also discussed essential products for donor engagement, including strategy papers, factsheets and advocacy notes. For preparedness, participants suggested actions like developing costed contingency plans, conducting needs assessments, and donor mapping. Finally, participants outlined ways the GSC could help raise funds, such as advocating with institutional donors, organising global donor engagement meetings, and providing technical support for advocacy.

Feedback from participants highlighted the session's effectiveness in prompting good discussions and a desire for longer sessions to delve deeper into practical implementations.

During the session, participants were consulted on tips and best practices for donor engagement. You can find the full participants feedback  HERE .

1. Enhanced understanding: Participants gained a deeper understanding of various funding mechanisms available for humanitarian emergencies.

2. Improved engagement skills: The session improved participants' skills in donor engagement and advocacy.

3. Increased preparedness: Emphasised the importance of readiness for contingency and funding processes.

4. Innovative ideas: Developed several innovative ideas for donor engagement and resource mobilisation.

5. Clear action points: Established clear action points for Cluster Coordinators to improve donor engagement and resource mobilisation in their respective countries.

6. Best practices and products: Identified best practices for engaging with donors and essential products for donor engagement and resource mobilisation.

7. Support from GSC: Highlighted the need for GSC's support in advocacy, organising donor meetings and providing technical support to help raise funds for the sector.

You can find the presentation for this session  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Sarah Pilchick

This session aimed to improve participants' knowledge of humanitarian advocacy and communications tactics and methods. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the relationship between advocacy and communications, highlighting their similarities and differences. Participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of effective advocacy and communications, such as clarity in messaging, incorporating advocacy into overall strategies, and ensuring evidence-based, fact-checked and consistent messages.

Key topics included the use of GSC platforms for public-facing communications and private advocacy, and how to utilise GSC templates for advocacy planning and human-interest stories. The session emphasised the importance of translating data-heavy work into concise and impactful advocacy and communications messages. Participants engaged in discussions on best practices and were encouraged to use the available tools and resources to enhance their advocacy and communications efforts.

1. Understanding differences and similarities: Participants gained a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between humanitarian advocacy and communications, and how both relate to their coordination roles.

2. Key elements of messaging: The session highlighted the essential elements of effective advocacy and communications messaging, stressing the need for clarity, consistency and evidence-based content.

3. Empowerment to use templates: Participants felt trained and empowered to use the GSC advocacy and communications templates, which were elaborated on during the session. This included the use of the new logo and branding.

4. Feedback for improvement: Feedback indicated a need for centralised design support for one-pagers and the development of a comprehensive advocacy strategy for the cluster.

You can find the presentation for this session  HERE .

This session was delivered by: Angel Pascual

This session highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of various country-level Shelter Clusters, showcasing their innovative solutions and inspiring best practices. Presentations from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Venezuela, Yemen, Ukraine, Mozambique, the Philippines and Northwest Syria provided insights into their unique challenges and successes:

· DRC emphasised durable solutions through return, local integration and reinstallation, highlighting strong community participation and local authority involvement despite challenges like limited actors and climatic conditions.

· Venezuela showcased their "Energy Week" initiative, promoting strategic partnerships for sustainable energy solutions within the humanitarian response.

· Yemen focused on the centrality of protection in shelter responses, integrating protection principles and community engagement.

· Ukraine highlighted their achievements in humanitarian repair and the implementation of area-based approaches to ensure adequate housing.

· Mozambique and the Philippines shared their experiences in addressing shelter needs amidst various crises, emphasising the importance of multi-sectoral planning and community resilience.

1. Recognition of achievements: The session effectively acknowledged and celebrated the significant accomplishments of country-level Shelter Clusters, fostering a sense of pride and motivation among participants.

2. Knowledge sharing: The diverse presentations facilitated the dissemination of innovative tools, guidance and successful case studies that can be adapted and replicated in other contexts.

3. Inspiration and motivation: Participants were inspired by the showcased achievements, encouraging them to strive for similar successes in their own contexts.

4. Best practices: The session identified best practices that can improve shelter responses and coordination efforts globally.

5. Networking opportunities: Enhanced networking among country-level coordinators, donors, Global Strategic Advisory Board members, and Working Group and Communities of Practice leaders was promoted, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

6. Encouragement of innovation: The session promoted innovative approaches and solutions within the Shelter Cluster community, encouraging others to develop and share their own successful strategies.

7. Increased visibility: The impactful work being done at the country level was brought to the forefront.

This session was delivered by: Angel Pascual

This session focused on facilitating a constructive dialogue among participants to identify and address the key challenges faced by country-level Shelter Clusters and operations. Participants were divided into groups to discuss and propose practical solutions to these challenges. The session aimed to shift the focus from highlighting problems to generating actionable ideas and fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving.

During the group discussions, participants identified a range of challenges, including:

· The need for OCHA to focus on a joint approach and intersectoral strategies

· Underfunding

· The lack of recognition of the shelter sector as an enabler of durable solutions

· The abstract nature of climate change in shelter response

· Issues related to standardisation, high needs versus lack of resources, supply chain problems, financial challenges and inconsistent coordination frameworks.

Proposed solutions included advocating for better synergy between actors, developing technical policies with exit strategies, increasing evidence-based advocacy, redefining the role of the cluster, elaborating on shelter climate response, tailoring responses to local practices, and strengthening local markets and partnerships.

1. Identification of key challenges: The session successfully identified and articulated the most pressing challenges faced by country-level Shelter Clusters.

2. Development of practical solutions: Participants generated feasible and innovative solutions to address the identified challenges, focusing on advocacy, capacity building, technical guidance and enhancing coordination.

3. Actionable recommendations: The session resulted in a set of actionable recommendations, such as improving synergy between actors, developing technical policies, increasing evidence-based advocacy and tailoring responses to local practices.

4. Increased awareness: Enhanced awareness among SAG members and donors about the specific challenges and needs faced by Shelter Clusters, potentially leading to better support and resource allocation.

5. Resource mobilisation: The session highlighted the importance of mobilising resources and support from donors to implement the proposed solutions.

6. Documented outcomes: The challenges and proposed solutions were documented, providing a valuable resource for future reference and action.