In a continually evolving environment, humanitarian actors are now recognising the need to better understand how their various roles, contributions, and relationships can have particular impacts on the effectiveness of aid being delivered in emergencies.

MERCY Malaysia, in collaboration with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), are holding an International Conference with the theme: "Collaboration in a Changing Humanitarian Environment for Effective Response." The Conference aims to look at our relationships within, and beyond, the humanitarian community and how this collaboration can be improved in better responding to humanitarian crises; it will consider the changes in our operating environment, and the common values; and discuss the values and principles that motivate and drive our actions as humanitarian agencies. In a globalised world, improved collaboration demands building on the capacities of local organisations, which will also be a key theme of the Conference.

With more than 100 delegates from Europe, Middle East and Asia, the Conference will provide an international, multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas from key players in the humanitarian community around the world.

MERCY Malaysia is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Malaysia. Founded in 1999, MERCY Malaysia focuses on providing medical relief and sustainable health-related development programmes to vulnerable communities. A member of the Asian Disaster Reduction & Response Network (ADRRN) and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), MERCY Malaysia has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) and is certified by the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) International.

The International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), founded in 1962, is a global network that brings together humanitarian and human rights NGOs as an advocacy alliance for humanitarian action. Focusing on humanitarian and refugee policy issues, ICVA draws upon the work of its members at the field level and brings their experiences to international decision-making forums. ICVA provides a means for the collective body of its members to work together to effect change, and also assists members to improve their own work through access to initiatives and tools that help to increase quality and accountability.