ICT plays a critical role in global disaster response, where efficient and effective emergency communications contribute to saving lives and alleviating suffering. Ericsson and Save the Children today announced that the parties have signed a partnership agreement for global disaster response.
Under the agreement, Ericsson’s global initiative Ericsson Response will provide communications technology and use its comprehensive ICT capabilities to contribute to a better, faster response when disaster strikes.
The initial agreement is for three years, after which it will be automatically renewed for one year at a time. As a stand-by partner, Ericsson Response is ready to assign staff and technical solutions as an emergency response or for non-emergency field operations. The organizations will also cooperate in workshops and provide training for staff and volunteers.
Ericsson Response was founded in 2000 when Ericsson employees expressed a wish to contribute their experience and skills in disaster relief situations. Since then, hundreds of employees from all over the world have volunteered, been trained and deployed to various disaster relief operations.
Over the last 13 years, Ericsson Response has supported more than 40 relief efforts in more than 30 countries. The Ericsson Response team’s main tasks are to set up mobile networks for voice and data communication, as well as supporting partners in training and knowledge sharing.
