Created by United Nations General Assembly resolution 46/182 in 1991, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is the longest-standing and highest-level humanitarian coordination forum of the United Nations system. It brings together the executive heads of 19 organizations and consortia to formulate policy, set strategic priorities and mobilize resources in response to humanitarian crises.
With members from within and outside the United Nations, the IASC strengthens collective humanitarian action through the implementation of a coherent, unified response. Towards that end, the IASC advocates for common humanitarian principles and makes strategic, policy and operational decisions with a direct bearing on humanitarian operations on the ground.
The IASC is chaired by the Emergency Relief Coordinator, who facilitates the leadership role of the United Nations Secretary-General. The IASC regularly convenes to ensure preparedness and a rapid and coordinated humanitarian response. Through the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) the IASC also brings critical issues to the attention of the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations Security Council.
The IASC is supported by subsidiary bodies as well as groups of experts who inform and carry out the priorities set by the IASC.
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Deputies GroupShaping strategic decisions — The Deputies Group focuses on strategic issues of common interest.
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Operational Policy and Advocacy Group (OPAG)One approach, one voice — The Operational Policy and Avocacy Group oversees the work of the Results Groups on behalf of the IASC, identifies priorities and drives the strategic policy of the IASC. -
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Entities Associated with the IASCContinuing excellence — Subsidiary bodies who have completed their formal mandates but who develop work valued by the humanitarian community continue as Entities Associated with the IASC. -
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Emergency Directors GroupOne response — The Emergency Directors Group takes action to ensure a collective, targeted response to humanitarian needs on the ground. -
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IASC secretariatSupport and facilitation — The IASC secretariat facilitates collaboration, communication, decision-making and implementation of activities across various IASC platforms. -
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Task Forces (end of mandate June 2024)Setting the standard — The OPAG convened Task Forces of experts from across the IASC community who developed coordinated best-practice for the humanitarian system.
Recent news
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IASC Launch Event - AI and Humanitarian Action: Unlocking the Power of Partnerships -
The Humanitarian Reset - ERC letter to IASC Principals -
IASC Principals met to discuss the current state of humanitarian aid. -
Statement by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher - Humanitarian Reset -
Mr. Tom Fletcher, appointed Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
Recent documents
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IASC Organigram 2025 Published Date -
The Humanitarian Reset - ERC letter to IASC Principals Published Date -
Statement by Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher - Humanitarian Reset Published Date -
Summary Record and Action Points, IASC Principals Bi-Annual meeting, 19 February 2025 Published Date -
Reorganizing the IASC Subsidiary Bodies Published Date