Supply Chain Management Agenda

The maintenance of cold chain storage is one of the critical areas which needs to be supported in our roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, simply put, cold chain storage is not available in all contexts, therefore, we must find innovative solutions to assist with vaccine distribution to less economically developed countries to ensure that no one is left behind. 

Speakers:

• Valerie Chambard-Benalleg, Senior Consultant, Cold Chain Project Management, UNICEF

• Mr Thomas Sorensen, Senior Contracts Manager, UNICEF

• Mr Hans-Peter Teufers, Director, International Programmes, UPS Foundation

Operating in the last mile brings numerous challenges, from poor roads and infrastructure, to a lack of knowledge of the situation on the ground. Yet, while we promote the message of localisation, operating post-disasters presents unique challenges to operators in the field. 

Speakers:

• Mr Adedeji Adekoya, Supply and Logistics, UNICEF

• Mr Paul Taylor, Operations Response Manager, Re:Act Disaster Response

• Ms Sophie Meyer, Project Manager, Atlas Logistics, Handicap International

The provision of medical supplies has been an increasingly important topic due to COVID-19, it has encouraged new modes of collaboration such as COVAX or the EU air bridge which has enabled the supply of medical items. However, we must also consider local suppliers and the role of localisation in improving the provision of medical supplies, enabling local businesses to directly supply humanitarian purposes. 

Speakers:

• Steve Smith, President and CEO, Airlink

The localisation of supply chains is a critical topic which needs to be further developed. From supporting local producers of PPE for example to analysing data in local contexts, localisation needs to be able to benefit not only local communities which are affected by crisis and natural events, but also international organisations need to be able to gain assistance from local actors to further advance their humanitarian objectives. 

Speakers:

• Claire Travers, Humanitarian Logistics Association

• Mr Dominic Ford, Logistics Coordinator, Distribute Aid

• Mr Pierre Hauselmannn, Executive Director, HQAI

Speakers:

• Ms Marie Houel, Solidarities International

• Mr Maxence Giraud, Logistics Director Handicap International

• Ms Cecilia Terraz, Plan International

One critical element of the UN SDGs is clearly sustainability, presently, the vast majority of supply chains are reliant on fossil fuels. While new technologies are coming in consumer vehicles in the global north which will enable for sustainable transportation, this needs to be developed further in the global south. 

Speakers:

• Mr Mathieu Grenade, Euro-Asia Supply Chain Coordinator, Danish Red Cross

• Ms Sara Lonegard, Founder and Director, Distribute Aid

• Dr Jens Burchardt, Partner and Associate Director, Climate Impact, Boston Consulting Group

In the last mile, there are certain challenges in bringing items to the end user, especially in the global south where sustainable supply chains are less likely. Therefore, we need to look at different ways to improve their sustainability, from increasing the capacity of lorries for vaccines for example, to working with the private sector to find new ways to improve our policies. 

Speakers:

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While new products are constantly being developed by all sectors of the economy, from governments to the private sector. Oftentimes, the implementation of these at the humanitarian level takes an inordinate amount of time, therefore, the challenges to the implementation of these new solutions needs further support, from delivering expertise from the private sector to humanitarian agencies, to simply enabling bureaucracy to advance the efficiency implementation of these solutions.

Speakers:

• Mr Andrew Lamb, Head of Innovation, Field Ready

• Mr Massimiliano Cosci, UNHRD Lab, WFP

• Mr Omar Al-Qadhi, Regional Operations Manager, Middle East Hub

Today, supply chain transparency commands the attention of mi-and senior-level managers across a broad spectrum of companies and industries. NGOs and international organisations are under pressure from member states, beneficiaries and other stakeholders to provide more information about their supply chains to justify their cost and to determine whether they reach the end destination. 

Speakers:

• Mr Jim Ridgwick, Global Head of Procurement, Save the Children

• Ms Aisling Phelan, Head of DRM Technical Team, Plan International

• Ms Mari-Lou Dupont, Senior Manager, UN Global Compact

The UN is now relied upon by the international community to coordinate relief operations due to natural and man-made disasters in areas beyond the relief capacity of national authorities. As people flee from crises, challenges emerge as aid agencies are forced to negotiate with the various barriers which prevent them from delivering aid to those in need, this can include inaccessible ports and infrastructure to no-go areas. 

Speakers:

• Mr Jordi Casafont Torra, Chief, Humanitarian Access Unit, UNOCHA