2017 ICT4D Conference

The Start Network is on a journey to strengthen transparency & collaboration in humanitarian decision-making and is using digital platforms as the backbone. This year Start launched the Start Fund portal, an open data platform which also enables Start Networks members to participate in decision-making. Another Start project, ALERT, aims to help humanitarian agencies respond with greater speed, efficiency and effectiveness, before and immediately after a disaster strikes.
We will continue buidling transparency this year by publishing data to IATI and we will also build and expand upon a block chain pilot which could transform the tracking of cash programmes across the sector.
These projects are highlighting challenges that include; lack of resources, skills and expertise; lack of buy-in and competing priorities; and management of risks.
But transparency isn't the objective of this work; it is instead the vehicle that can help enable our organisations become more accountable and effective. Transparency through technology allows us to share and use open data to enable us to make better decisions and design more effective programmes, while enabling stakeholders to see funding is being spent in the most effective ways to make an impact.
 
This session will enable you to discuss what sucess would look like in future, the challenges we're facing to achieve that future, what we all need to do differently, and what added value a network can bring through collaboration. The session will be interactive enabling participants to share ideas and knowledge on the topic.