International Dialogue on Strengthening Partnership in Disaster Response: Bridging national and international support: Background paper 1

This background paper 1 was written in the context of the International Dialogue on Strengthening Partnership for Disaster Response. In October 2011, the Dialogue gathered representatives with authority for managing national disaster response and the entry of international assistance to their countries, as well as representatives from select NGOs, UN agencies, and regional organizations for a meeting.

This first paper is called “Building Trust: Challenges for national authorities and international aid agencies in working together in times of disasters”. It explores national/international aid relationship key issues, focusing on response to natural disasters. Looking at changing contexts and key actors involved, it also explores legal framework, topics of trust and perceptions, as well as how to coordinate international and national assistance successfully. Monitoring and evaluation strategies are presented along with conclusions.