Jersey takes centre stage in international humanitarian talks this week

UN officials descend on Jersey this week as the Island becomes the first non-member UN state to host an event essential to delivering “life-saving humanitarian assistance” across the world.

Jersey was selected as one of the co-chairs of the Pooled Fund Working Group, alongside Italy and the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs.

A two-day Pooled Fund Working Group meeting, organised by Jersey Overseas Aid, is due to be held in St Helier from Tuesday which will see the Island at the at the “centre of international humanitarian dialogue”, JOA said. Further humanitarian meetings will be held throughout the week.

The humanitarian working group aims to “improve the effectiveness, transparency and impact” of pooled funds in delivering “life-saving humanitarian assistance”, according to JOA.

JOA said: “Jersey’s involvement highlights the role smaller, non-traditional donors can play in steering discussions around important issues facing the global humanitarian system. It demonstrates to the international community that all donors, large and small, have a voice and can meaningfully contribute to the humanitarian system.”

Since 2016, JOA has committed over £7.1 million to pooled funds across countries including Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.

International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, the chair of the JOA Commission, said: “It is an honour for Jersey to serve as co-chair of the UN OCHA Pooled Fund Working Group alongside Italy, and to host this pivotal meeting in St. Helier. As a small, non-member state, Jersey’s involvement in shaping global humanitarian policy demonstrates how smaller, less traditional donors can have a meaningful impact on the international stage.

“As an outward-looking and internationally engaged jurisdiction, it is only right that we uphold our global responsibilities. By bringing these discussions to our Island, we highlight Jersey’s growing role in global humanitarian efforts, while showcasing the Island’s commitment to supporting effective and collaborative solutions to the world’s most pressing crises.

“Hosting this meeting here in our island reflects our belief that smaller nations, with their unique perspectives, have a vital role to play in the global response to humanitarian needs.”

Lisa Doughten, UN OCHA director of financing and partnerships division, said they looked forward to “enhancing our collaboration” with Jersey.

The UN’s assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Joyce Msuya praised JOA for its “unwavering support”, adding that Jersey’s journey from aid-recipient to where the Island is today “inspires us all”.

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