Uniting efforts for global relief
The International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) brings together European disaster response agencies to strengthen global emergency relief efforts by deploying expertise and providing logistical support. By "helping the helper," we create a lasting impact on humanitarian operations worldwide.
IHP serves as a platform for international cooperation, pooling resources such as equipment and staff to enhance the collective response of its member organisations.
The primary aim is to bolster humanitarian efforts, including those of the UN, other humanitarian actors, and the EU, in addressing both natural disasters and complex emergencies. This is achieved through providing operational, technical, and financial support to multilateral organizations engaged in global humanitarian assistance.
Voluntary cooperation
Founded in 1995
8 Members
8 Partners
60+ UNDAC Missions supported
110+ Operations
250+ Support Modules deployed
Since its inception in 1995, IHP has exemplified the effectiveness of voluntary multinational cooperation among governmental bodies involved in humanitarian assistance. Grounded in shared values and a problem-solving mindset, the partnership operates without binding agreements among member countries, instead opting for a network structure overseen by a rotating chair system. These elements underscore IHP as a model of timely, effective, and appropriate humanitarian response.
Goal and Objectives
IHP’s overarching goal is to strengthen emergency response efforts by supporting operational actors in humanitarian assistance and coordination, ultimately aiming to save lives and mitigate the impact of conflicts and natural disasters.
Enhancing
operational efficiency and effectiveness in emergency situations
Demonstrating
practical donor government cooperation and coordination.
Improving
emergency preparedness through capacity building, training, and exercises.
Boosting
operational capacity during emergencies by deploying specialized surge capacity, including experts and equipment, to multilateral organizations.
Facilitating
coordination of humanitarian assistance, promoting information sharing, and fostering cooperation among various actors involved in emergencies
Principles
Effectiveness and efficiency
The partnership aims to improve humanitarian services by minimizing competition and avoiding duplication of efforts. IHP’s primary goal is to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of operations through shared resources and expertise pooling.
Synergy
Collaboration empowers members to offer support that would be beyond their individual capacities. Synergy is achieved through joint deployments: one member contributes staff, another provides equipment, and a third organizes airlifts.
Dual use
IHP members’ assets fulfill a dual purpose: they serve within the domestic emergency management system and act as preparedness capacity for the international emergency system, which in return provides cost-effective readiness that can be deployed both domestically and internationally.
Autonomy
Since its inception, IHP has operated as an informal, non-binding cooperation, respecting the autonomy of its individual members and acknowledging the limitations of their mandates. Consequently, membership in IHP does not impose restrictions on members’ ability to pursue individual responses and initiatives.
Luxembourg’s Priorities for its 2024-2025 IHP Chairmanship
During its 18-month chairmanship of the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), Luxembourg will focus on strengthening the partnership’s effectiveness, visibility, and strategic direction. Guided by the IHP Terms of Reference, Luxembourg aims to ensure constructive leadership, facilitate strategic dialogue, and provide clear guidance to IHP Working Groups and Networks.
Internal Review
Luxembourg will conduct a comprehensive review of IHP’s 30-year history, documenting key milestones and analysing collaboration effectiveness. This process will help identify strategic decisions to shape IHP’s future, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.
Documentation and Information Management
To modernize IHP operations, Luxembourg plans to review and adapt existing documentation to current needs, improve information sharing through platforms like the VO and IHP Repository, and explore new communication channels.
Operations and Services
Operational excellence will be a focus, with updates to IHP’s Standard Operating Procedures, Terms of Reference, and support modules catalogue. Additionally, Luxembourg will address safety and security concerns in collaboration with UN partners, ensuring IHP’s operational tools are robust and reliable.
Public Relations
Luxembourg will enhance IHP’s visibility by updating promotional materials, renewing the IHP website, and expanding its social media presence. Increased participation in international meetings and exhibitions will also boost the partnership’s global profile.
Training and Learning
Luxembourg will explore the future format of the IHP TRIPLEX exercise, strengthen After Action Review processes, and discuss harmonizing basic training for IHP experts to enhance capacity-building efforts.
Membership and Partnership
Reaffirming member and partner commitments will be central, alongside discussions on potential IHP enlargement. Luxembourg also plans to renew existing agreements and explore new partnerships to expand the IHP network.
Luxembourg’s IHP Chairmanship team
Luxembourg’s IHP Chairmanship team
Tom Barnig
Director of Operations
Luxembourg Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS)
Directorate for Operational Coordination
Tom Barnig is the Director of Operations at the national fire and rescue corps (CGDIS) in Luxembourg since 2018. He took on this role as part of the nationwide reform of the civil security and fire departments in Luxembourg. He is in charge of the organisation and coordination of the operational division and activities of the Luxembourgish fire and rescue services, which includes the supervision of the national PSAP 112 and the operational involvement of Luxembourg in the domain of international civil protection.
Tom is co-chairing the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP).
Gilles Hoffmann
Emergency.lu coordinator
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs
Gilles Hoffmann is the emergency.lu coordinator at the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Gilles joined the Ministry in 2013 as technical advisor for emergency.lu, taking on the coordinator function in 2015. Over the years, Gilles has been deployed to several emergency response operations, among others, the typhoon Haiyan operations 2013 in the Philippines, the Ebola response in west africa, the Nepal earthquake 2015 and more recently, the Beirut port explosion as well as the evacuation operation in Kabul in 2021.
Gilles is co-chairing the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP).
Max Steffen
IHP and international operations manager
Luxembourg Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS)
General Directorate, International Relations
Max Steffen is an experienced international operations manager with the Luxembourg Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), currently supporting the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) on an administrative level. He has extensive field experience across multiple organizations, Max has coordinated refugee reception centres, managed humanitarian projects, and contributed to emergency logistics and health programs.
Max is supporting both co-chairs of the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP).