What is “Inter-Cluster/Inter-Sector Cooperation (ICSC)”? – World

1. What is cross-cluster/sector cooperation?

Cross-cluster/cross-sector cooperation (ICSC)2 refers to joint actions undertaken by relevant
clusters/sectors to coordinate joint responses with partners towards a common goal. Joint
answers are delivered at the same time, in the same place, to the same people, based on priorities
needs in order to achieve a mutually agreed result.

Cross-cluster/sector cooperation brings together relevant clusters/sectors not only for the exchange of information
but actively plan and work on joint actions. In this way, ICSC goes a step further than simple
Coordination between clusters/sectors. The ICSC reinforces the work of the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), which is usually led by OCHA and facilitates information sharing and coordination
humanitarian interventions between different clusters/sectors at global and country levels.

2. What are the benefits of ICSC?

1. People-centric approach: Recognizing that different sectors often work together
the same households/individuals/communities, ICSC promotes a people-centred approach
humanitarian response from a holistic perspective.

2. Combines knowledge and problem-solving skills: through common, overarching goals,
goals and common actions, ICSC connects different clusters/sectors/entities,
different knowledge and resources to understand and solve multi-faceted and wide-ranging problems
humanitarian issues.

3. Efficiency: By proposing joint programming in the same place and time, we reduce
Implementation of ICSC in a joint field operation can reduce access barriers (transportation costs, time spent,
exposure to risk, etc.).

4. Lower costs: Finally, joint implementation of field solutions can reduce costs (by sharing means of transport
and office costs, staff sharing etc.) which results in more resources becoming available for
programs