…CHF 158,000 to strengthen its emergency communications capability. In a statement, the Government of Japan said, “We would like to contribute CHF 158,000 to the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies (IFCE). Since we greatly benefitted from the IFCE after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we truly understand the importance of IFCE. We hope our contribution will be utilized for Member States that are affected by disasters and need communication measures.”
ITU deployed broadband satellite terminals to Japan in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the north eastern coast of Japan in March 2011. “The people of Japan deserve great praise for the way they dealt with the crisis that enveloped their lives following the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the bereaved and to those who lost their property and their livelihoods,” said ITU Secretary General Hamadoun Touré. “I am grateful that the Government of Japan, which is still recovering from such a massive disaster, is contributing generously to our humanitarian activities.”
Marking the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan hosted a Symposium on the use of telecommunications/ICT before and during emergencies. “I was touched by Japan’s generosity when they sponsored the participation of many developing countries to an information- sharing Symposium,” said Brahima Sanou, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “I call upon other partners to emulate Japan’s initiative to support ITU’s emergency communications and to help save lives of millions of people across the globe.”
The ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies is a global initiative that is based on partnership building to serve the humanitarian community. The IFCE draws its partners and resources from governments, private sector, regulatory authorities, airfreight companies and individuals. Generous contributions in the past have come from the Governments of Australia and Canada. Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya, FeDEX regularly support ITU’s IFCE initiative.
