As the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) is completing the ETC2020 Strategy implementation phase, it is reflecting on the progress made so far while keeping a forward-looking eye on the work that remains to be done to ensure the strategy’s successful implementation.

The ETC2020 Strategy was built around the vision that all those responding to emergencies, including local governments and disaster-affected populations, should have access to vital communications services. Since the vision was formulated in 2015, the ETC and its partners have come a long way towards making that vision a reality. Preparedness and Services for Communities are now central pillars of the ETC’s work and the Crisis Connectivity Charter (CCC) has been signed and activated.

Building on the momentum of the past four years (2015-2018), the last roadmap for the ETC2020 Strategy covers the remaining deliverables that need to be met to conclude the implementation of the strategy. These deliverables continue to be grouped under core ETC2020 pillars, namely:

1. Communications as Aid;
2. Improved and Decentralised Response Readiness & Increased Communications Resilience to Disasters;
3. Enhanced Communications and Energy; as well as
4. Cross-cutting deliverables, such as partnerships, communication and advocacy.

While working on these final milestones, the ETC has to start planning for the future and thinking about how the changing humanitarian landscape, not to mention the rapidly evolving technological landscape, in which the Cluster operates will shape its future strategy. The ETC will continue to work closely with partners to ensure that it continues to come up with innovative solutions to respond to a growing number of protracted and complex emergencies around the world as a result of conflict, natural disasters and climate change.