19 October 2013: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) convened a three-day meeting that concluded with agreement to support a Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance for the Americas in Panama, as well as a sub-regional hub in Jamaica, to facilitate effective delivery of assistance for disasters.

The Sixth Meeting on Enhancing Humanitarian Partnerships (MIAH), which was attended by regional leaders from 22 countries and took place in Kingston, Jamaica, from 16-18 October 2013, aimed at strengthening collaboration between Latin America and the Caribbean Governments and the humanitarian community to improve coordination mechanisms.

Speaking at the meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos underscored that disasters induced by climate change and urbanization affect “millions of people.”

Delegates adopted a Plan of Action, which encourages governments to “seek more effective partnerships with the private sector, international organizations, civil society and community-based organizations to reduce inequality and increase efforts with the most vulnerable in society, including children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities.” [UN Press Release] [Relief Web Press release]