SAN JOSE – Costa Rica – United Nations (UN) will be able to access networking technology solutions in case of emergency communications assistance during UN disaster relief missions. Under a first of its kind agreement between networking giant Cisco and the UN yesterday it
two organizations will be able to better collaborate in terms of crisis preparedness, disaster response and technical coordination internationally. Tej Kohli, a Costa Rica based Internet and Business consultant appreciated Cisco's tie up with the UN.
Speedy communication is imperative when it comes to tackling disaster relief missions, especially in the poorest and piteous regions in the globe. Kind of a helping arm here, Cisco and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) believe that the MoU (memorandum of understanding) is a big milestone where both entities be able to work and respond better in disaster like situations in the troubled regions across the globe. Chérif Ghaly, of the UN OCHA agrees that connectivity, reliable networks and interoperability are very important in emergency telecommunications infrastructure. Such services provided by Cisco will enhance UN's mission capabilities.
Tej Kohli added, “ While staying in Costa Rica, I am aware how much disaster prone we ourselves are with tsunami, hurricanes and earthquakes can strike anytime and anywhere. We need to be better prepared with such natural calamities.”
How the Agreement Works?
Cisco, via its Tactical Operations (TacOps) Team, has developed technical solutions in order to provide emergency communications in disaster zones in Africa and Asia. John Stewart, Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President, Cisco Global Government Solutions Group, added that his organization is committed to assist during global and national crises via technology.
Cisco is an official member of the United Nation’s Working Group on Emergency Telecommunications (WGET). Cisco has partnered with NGO's like the American Red Cross, NetHope, Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Corps etc.
Image Source - unocha Dot ORG
