World: Cluster Simplification and Adapting In-Country Coordination: IASC Humanitarian Working Group (HWG) (March 2026)

Country: World Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee Please refer to the attached file. Simplification of Clusters and Coordination As part of the Humanitarian Reset initiated in early 2025, humanitarian coordination structures and processes are being simplified. As at March 2026, this has included reducing the number of humanitarian clusters and areas of responsibility (AoR) from previously 15 to 8, combined with commitments towards greater co-leadership by local and national actors, and strengthening locally-led, area-based coordination models. An IASC-endorsed note on Cluster Simplification and Adapting In-Country Coordination (March 2026) recognises clusters’ central role for accountable and predictable humanitarian response – by providing structured, sector‐specific coordination, engaging vast numbers of national actors, as well as technical standards and advocacy. At the same time, it considers the need for clusters and the wider humanitarian architecture to evolve – by reinforcing national systems and transition planning, engaging local actors more meaningfully, and strengthening multisectoral planning and response, including by supporting area‐based coordination (ABC) models. The note specifically: provides further recommendations for adapting in-country coordination to context and reaffirms underlying principles, including on the Provider of Last Resort (PoLR); clarifies global lead and accountability arrangements for consolidated global clusters (Shelter, Land, and Site Coordination Cluster; Protection Cluster; and Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster) as well as next steps for the transformation of the Global Cluster on Early Recovery; contains principles on how ABC and other coordination structures interact, including terms of reference for ABC groups. Guidance and References Cluster Simplification and Adapting In-Country Coordination ( endorsed by the IASC Principals, March 2026) Lead and accountability arrangements for consolidated clusters – Protection Cluster – Shelter, Land, and Site Coordination Cluster – Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster – Transformation of the Global Cluster on Early Recover Standard Terms of Reference for Area-Based Coordination Frequently Asked Questions on Area-Based Coordination Glossary of Key Coordination Terms

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