December, 2008

Updated content for the Toolbox has been collected. A new version of the Toolbox will be launched with the new OneResponse.info website in the first or second quarter of 2009.

Dear Colleagues,

Following the adoption of the OCHA Information Management Strategy in 2004, OCHA has made significant process in proving itself as a leader and advocate for Humanitarian Information Management.

The HIC is now a well established tool with the capacity to improve information coordination in both natural disasters and complex emergency. OCHA has deployed Information Management Officers to its country offices worldwide as well as Regional Offices from where they can provide coverage to countries with no OCHA presence.

The Field Information Support team, based in New York has dedicated much time in ensuring not only the development of a suite of IM tools for use at both headquarters and country level, but also that training is available to all OCHA staff to ensure a culture of best practice throughout OCHA and range of technologies to suit all needs.

A great deal of recognition should also be given to the OCHA IM practitioners in the field whose ongoing work in the field of information management has shaped and guided the way in which IM has become a central part of OCHA activities.

Online, you will currently see the initial version of OCHA's Information Management Toolbox which is a resource designed to assist Humanitarian Affairs professionals in managing information to support their work in ensuring better humanitarian planning and response.

Regards

Brendan McDonald

Manager, Field Information Services Unit (FIS),
Communications and Information Services Branch,
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs