ICVA Work Plan 2001

ICVA, together with its members, has defined a new work programme laid out in its Annual Plan for 2001. The activities in ICVA's work programme include the following:

1. To further develop and implement ICVA's interactive information system to allow ICVA, its members, and international agencies to effectively exchange information. In 1999, ICVA laid the basis for its information system with the development of the website and newsletter, Talk Back. In 2001, ICVA will continue to develop these products, as well as helping its members to develop their information capacities based on the Internet in order to better connect to the ICVA network;

2. To strengthen and expand ICVA as an advocacy network. ICVA has a unique position in the NGO community. ICVA plays a focal point role for NGO input to the meetings of the UNHCR Executive and Standing Committees. It is also one of the three NGO networks that have access to the meetings of the highest body in humanitarian coordination: the UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). ICVA will raise members' concerns at the international level with a view to directly influencing eventual policy decisions that have implications at the field level;

3. To facilitate and support the UNHCR-NGO cooperation process, particularly through Partnership in Action (PARinAC) programme;

4. To broker NGO coalitions and (field) cooperation initiatives among its members and other NGOs and between them, international organisations, and governments. ICVA will encourage its members agencies to take the lead on specific topics and facilitate the formation of task forces on these topics; and

5. To maintain and ensure flexible and accountable work processes within ICVA and with its members.