Inter-cluster / sector Collaboration (ICSC)

Please be informed that, due completion of the current program of work and a funding gap, the Global ICSC platform and Helpdesk will not remain in its current form after mid-July 2024. ICSC support can be requested via the link below or you can email [email protected].

Inter-cluster / sector collaboration (ICSC)

In 2022, the Nutrition, WASH, Food Security and Health clusters established a global level initiative to reinforce the collaboration between themselves to improve the operational response and coordination modalities to enhance the outcomes for people affected by drought, conflicts, disease outbreak, or any other crises. These clusters often collaborate because they complement each other in most of the responses needed. This is called Inter-Cluster /Sector Collaboration (ICSC). ICSC coordinates joint responses delivered at the same time, in the same place and for the same people based on prioritization of needs to achieve a jointly agreed outcome.

ICSC does not compete with the essential function of the Inter-Cluster Coordination groups led by OCHA, but rather reinforces their work by bringing together relevant clusters/sectors and their partners to not only share information but to actively plan and work on joint actions. To better understand the difference and complementarity between ICCG and ICSC, watch this short video.

Please note, that depending on the context and the priority needs of the affected population, an ICSC approach could involve less clusters, or other clusters such as Protection, Education, Camp coordination and Camp management (CCCM), Shelter & Non-Food Item or others. Participation will be driven by the identified common objective that led to the creation of the collaboration.

Have a look at the conceptual framework below that aligns the efforts of the four clusters to deliver holistic packages to the people in need to reach a common objective: saving lives by reducing morbidity and mortality.