THE agreement between The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Ericsson is breaking new ground in the way the private sector and humanitarian aid organizations work together. This cooperation entered a new phase, when a landmark agreement on long-term co-operation was signed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

THE objective of the partnership is to jointly, work with disaster mitigation, preparedness and response in order to reduce the effects of disasters worldwide. Such work will for example include identifying disaster telecommunication solutions, disaster policies and routines, particularly in disaster-prone areas. The objective is also to mobilize governments, humanitarian organizations, private sector companies and other parties for building awareness of disaster mitigation, preparedness and response issues.

"THE partnership between Ericsson and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is unique and the only one of its kind, says Dag Nielsen, Director of the Ericsson Response program. It is an active cooperation between the private sector and the leading humanitarian aid organizations. Both sides share knowledge; Ericsson with new technology, expertise and resources and the IFRC with the disaster response experience and expertise. The partnership demonstrates its capacity to make a difference, and improve disaster response building new answers to emergency telecommunications' requirements. After some time of experience and case by case projects, we can now be more strategic and can activate even more local Ericsson Response programs around the world".

From Ericsson Response Newsletter Volume IX - 2002