The IASC Sub-Working Group on Preparedness and Contingency Planning hosted the first ever global consultation of contingency planners from humanitarian agencies in Geneva on 2-4 July 2007. The consultation brought together some 67 participants from 22 agencies. The overall objective of the consultation was to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian response through contingency planning and preparedness. The consultation was intended as a first professional exchange between peers, and provided opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, best practices and lessons learned, as well as to provide specific input to the IASC Inter-Agency Contingency Planning Guidelines currently under revision.

The full report seeks to document the rich discussions that took place, both as a record for participants but also as a reference for those around the world that regularly work on these complex issues. It also seeks to highlight some areas of emerging consensus on which actions can be taken to improve preparedness and contingency planning so that appropriate and timely humanitarian assistance and protection can be provided to those in need. Listed below are key suggestions offered by participants for strengthening preparedness and contingency planning.