On 6 December 2024, Mr. Tom Fletcher, USG for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, conducted his first executive briefing since taking office on 18 November of this year. All Member States, Observers and other Relevant Stakeholders participated spontaneously in the informal brainstorming session organised by OCHA. Throughout his opening presentation, Mr. Fletcher focused on three major challenges our world is facing : the current geopolitical context leading to the spread of conflicts, the climate crisis and its humanitarian implications, and growing inequalities.
In his strategy, the USG Fletcher seeks firstly to bring ambition, extra energy, more hopeful narratives as well as efficiency, wishing to reduce the burden of excessive bureaucratic processes. In saying “listen to those we serve and to each other” during the meeting, he also emphasized the key role of communication in organizing our actions. Moreover, he underlined the need for greater inclusivity, innovation, enhancing localization, and improving access to humanitarian aid. Finally, Mr. Fletcher called for stronger financial support, given the acute shortages in funding that OCHA is facing.
Ambassador Pictect-Althann greeted Mr. Fletcher personally and made an intervention congratulating him on behalf of the Order in his appointment. In reply to his presentation, she echoed the challenges faced by humanitarians, and referred to the importance of the use of digital technology and of partnerships including faith-based organizations.
As a response, USG Fletcher shared his personal experiences working with FBOs in Lebanon and Ireland.
