Global Connection Report - April 2024

Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the iMMAP Inc. Global Connection Newsletter! On the agenda this month:?

???? Exploring Venezuelan migration dynamics in Colombia’s urban areas?

?? Open data in humanitarian and development work?

???? Sudan risk analysis report?

?? iMMAP Inc. at HNPW - mark your calendars!?

?? Joining the Global WASH Cluster Field Support Team Consortium?

?? Joining forces with NORCAP for better data-driven aid solutions?

HIGHLIGHTS

???? Analyzing the Impact of Venezuelan Migration Dynamics in Colombia’s Urban Areas: A Peer Reviewed Research by iMMAP Inc. Colombia?

Millions of Venezuelans seeking refuge have flooded into neighboring countries, with Colombia becoming the main destination thanks to their lengthy common border. While research on migrant rights and internal displacement within Colombia exists, a gap remains in understanding how Venezuelan migration specifically impacts Colombian urban expansion.??

iMMAP Inc. Colombia, published a peer-reviewed research article titled "Estimating the Incidence of Venezuelan Migration and Other Socioeconomic Factors on Urban Growth in Colombia," with lead authored by Pablo BT Silva Barbosa, Andrés Pe?a-Galindo, Andrés Miguel Sampayo, David Granada Donato et al. (2023), investigates the interplay between Venezuelan migration, socioeconomic factors, and urban growth in Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The article, peer-reviewed by Federico Botta of the University of Exeter, England, utilizes remote sensing and social network data to analyze these dynamics.?

The research is available in open access.?

?? iMMAP Inc.'s Commitment to Open Data Reflected in the ‘State of Open Data’ Report?

Bertrand Rukundo, iMMAP Inc.’s Strategic Planning, Technology and Innovation Director contributed to the second edition of Data for Development Network (D4D) The State of Open Data Report, published 2023. The State of Open Data is a project spearheaded by the International Research Centre, with the support of the D4D. This ongoing effort investigates how open data, the concept of making data readily available and usable by the public, can be leveraged to address social and economic challenges around the world.

By incorporating the perspectives of a wide range of researchers, exceeding 75 contributors, the project has assessed the effectiveness of open data initiatives and pinpointed key obstacles.? Ultimately, it aims to learn from past experiences, inform the future of open data, and foster collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to maximize the positive impact of open data initiatives across sectors, regions, and communities.?

Rukundo contributed to the State of Open Data’s chapter covering the theme of Development Assistance and Humanitarian Action. This chapter presents a nuanced picture of current challenges and silver linings in humanitarian data circles. On the one hand, there's a clear consensus on the importance of open data for improving aid effectiveness and transparency. The chapter also acknowledges significant challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles, information silos, and political resistance that hinder data sharing.

“Open data is becoming the key feature of humanitarian coordination and collaboration. Adopting an open data approach in humanitarian efforts is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity,” said Bertrand.

As a non-profit organization working at the intersection of humanitarian data and technology, iMMAP Inc. recognizes the power of Open Data and continues advocating Open Data’s centrality in humanitarian realms and its accessibility by various stakeholders. iMMAP Inc. is committed to making data from crises such as ?Sudan, as well as natural hazards, such as floods and earthquakes in Afghanistan, accessible to the public through platforms such as Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) and Data Entry and Exploration Platform (DEEP). ?

???? What Will Happen in Sudan? - Dive into Our Latest Risk Analysis

After a year of conflict, there's no sign of de-escalation in Sudan:?

?? Violence has spread to once-safe areas?

?? Humanitarian access is severely restricted or cut off?

?? The region faces the risk of becoming the world’s largest hunger crisis?

Our recent risk analysis examines potential hazards, forecasting their impact on people, infrastructure, services, and the environment, aimed at helping our partners on the ground to prepare for the coming months.??

Supported by USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, this report was produced in partnership with Data Friendly Space (DFS).?

?? Read the full report

?? Join Us at the Humanitarian Networks & Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) – Whether in Geneva or Remotely?

Mark your calendars. From May 6th?? to May 10th the humanitarians from across the world gathers in Geneva at the? HNPW. Hosted by OCHA (United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) since 2015, this event stands as one of the premier gatherings for humanitarian professionals to enhance collaboration across various topics, such as localization and the climate crisis. Excitingly, this year introduces a series of sessions facilitated by Information Management (IM) & Data specialists for the first time. iMMAP Inc. team will? be at the event in? Geneva, and would like to invite you, to join us for three sessions delving into the potential of IM in humanitarian crises:?

?? Advancing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Afghanistan Through IM and GIS

?? May 7th - 9.00 am (UTC+2) - ??Salle Nyon

?? Learn about our innovative initiatives like the HSDC and RPDC aimed at enhancing disaster risk reduction in Afghanistan and the role of technology in shaping the future of DRR.

?? Register or join online?

?? Fostering Informed Decision-Making in Northeast Nigeria

?? May 7th - 2.30pm (UTC+2) - ??Plénière C?

?? Explore how our Spatial Decision Support Platform aids coordination and informed decision-making in northeast Nigeria, facilitating collaboration across sectors.

?? Register or join online?

?? Optimizing Information Management for Humanitarian Response in Yemen?

?? May 8th - 2.00pm (UTC+2) - ??Plénière B?

?? Gain insights into innovative information management strategies enhancing humanitarian aid in Yemen, with implications for global humanitarian contexts.

?? Register or join online

?? iMMAP Inc. joins the Global WASH Cluster Field Support Team (FST) Consortium

As an estimated 168.2 million people will need humanitarian WASH assistance in 2024, iMMAP Inc. teams up with esteemed FST consortium partners Action Contre la Faim (France), IMPACT Initiatives and Oxfam Great Britain to address global WASH coordination needs.???

Whether through surge deployments or remote support, the FST provides technical assistance in:???

?? information management??

?? assessments??

?? coordination??

?? people-centered programming inclusion??

With a significant presence in the WASH Cluster at the Global, Regional, and Field levels since 2012 and as a longstanding partner of UNICEF (WASH Cluster Lead Agency), joining the consortium is a logical progression in our ongoing commitment to global WASH initiatives. With over 50 IM experts with WASH proficiency in our IM Roster, we stand ready to swiftly and significantly contribute to the success of FST's endeavors.?

?? Find out more on iMMAP Inc.’s role in the consortium.?

?? Joining forces with NORCAP for Better Data-driven Aid Solutions

In April, iMMAP Inc. and NORCAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to advance data and analysis initiatives.??

Tapping into the synergy of our respective expertise, we are embarking on joint projects to improve responses to humanitarian and developmental challenges focusing on Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management, utilizing tools such as context analysis, information management, GIS, and remote sensing analysis.??

NORCAP is a global provider of aid expertise and solutions and is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.?

?? More about our partners

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