This note - endorsed by the IASC Principals in March 2026, follows interim messages on cluster simplification which were circulated to Humanitarian Coordinators (HCs) and country operations in September 2025.
It 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.
This 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.