DP World Join UN Emergency Response Logistics Team

SWITZERLAND – At a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos the world's third largest container terminal operator, DP World, signed an MoU to join the United Nations World Food Program’s (WFP) Logistics Emergency Teams (LET) system. DP World now joins Agility, UPS and Maersk in the programme which allows the WFP to access an extensive global network of freight transportation and logistics expertise, meaning life-saving assistance can be provided more quickly and efficiently following natural disasters. Stephen Cahill, Global Logistics Cluster Coordinator at the World Food Programme, welcomed the new LET member, saying:

“The response during the first phase of any humanitarian crisis is highly important for how local communities are impacted in the long term, and the expertise and resources that DP World brings will help support vital strategic relief efforts.”

The Logistics Emergency Teams were established in 2015 and has previously provided disaster relief during 12 emergency responses, including the earthquakes in Nepal in April and May 2015 and after the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

DP World will provide pro bono expertise and resources to help the humanitarian community respond to future major disasters. In the event of a disaster DP World will provide logistics services, for instance helping with the shipment and storage of humanitarian aid. In addition, selected employees in disaster prone countries will receive LET specialist training to improve their ability in coordinating response efforts.

All work will be directed by the WFP’s Logistics Cluster, which provides coordination, information management and facilitates access to common logistics services to organisations responding to an emergency. As a global trade enabler working in 40 countries across six continents, DP World is well placed to provide its expertise and resources after major disasters. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, said:

“Major natural disasters can have devastating impacts and the response efforts in the immediate aftermath are crucial to ensuring urgent aid reaches the right places as quickly as possible. We take our responsibility to society very seriously, and by joining the Logistics Emergency Teams we can play a key role as part of a coordinated response across the trade and logistics industry. This crucial collaboration helps protect lives and we are pleased to be a part of it.”

PHOTO: DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem with World Food Programme Executive Director Ertharin Cousin at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.