The "Digital Infrastructure for Humanitarian Assistance" project was officially launched at the German Embassy in Bucharest, bolstered by a €1.35 million commitment from Germany's Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative, spearheaded by Code for Romania in partnership with Commit Global, seeks to create a global platform to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid during crises. The launch event, attended by around 70 representatives from various sectors including Romanian authorities, international organisations, embassies, companies, NGOs, and public institutions, underscored the project's significant potential.

Commit Global and its parent association, Code for Romania, have been hard at work extending their network of government and association collaborators. We have already shared with you some of their most recent projects and success. The project’s code are available on their git: Code for Romania, Commit Global . 

During the launch event, ambassador Dr. Peer Gebauer emphasised Germany's dedication to the project, noting its transformative impact on the distribution of aid, particularly highlighted by the successful pilot phase supporting Ukrainian refugees amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The project is already operational in several critical regions, including Armenia, where it addresses the refugee crisis from Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Republic of Moldova, focusing on natural disaster prevention and preparedness. It is also being implemented in the Middle East, establishing a digital ecosystem in Lebanon and Jordan, with initial phases underway in Central and Latin America and a strategic partnership in Africa.

Key figures such as Dr. Raed Arafat, Secretary of State in Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs and head of the Department for Emergency Situations, highlighted the critical need for such digital initiatives in managing contemporary crises effectively. He referenced the integration of digital solutions during the Ukrainian refugee crisis as a prime example of their impact. Andrei Țărnea from Romania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed the profound role of technology in addressing global challenges, emphasising the importance of pre-emptive crisis management.

The project promises cost efficiency by creating a single digital infrastructure usable by multiple organisations, increasing scalability and flexibility. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances transparency and accountability through common standards and data models. The global impact of the initiative is already visible, with implementation in diverse regions and growing international support encouraged by Germany's example.

Source:https://www.commitglobal.org/en/blog/this-digital-solution-from-romania-will-truly-make-a-difference-german-embassy-in-bucharest-and-code-for-romania-commit-global