UN Heroes Award – UNDAC and INSARAG

On 22 November, the 30 years of exceptional work by the INSARAG and UNDAC networks were celebrated during the UN Foundation’s We the Peoples Award Ceremony. Among the 2024 honourees were the Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; TIME, represented by Jessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer; Amanda Gorman, poet and activist; Angélique Kidjo, Grammy-winning artist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; Louise Mabulo, founder of the Cacao Project; and, last but certainly not least, UN Emergency First Responders, represented by colleagues from the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

The UN Heroes Award was presented by Baroness Valerie Amos, former Under-Secretary-General of OCHA and Emergency Relief Coordinator, in recognition of INSARAG and UNDAC’s courageous and selfless work in disaster response. Assistant Chief Tracey Reed from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and an INSARAG Team Leader accepted the INSARAG award on behalf of the network. UNDAC member Clement Kalonga, the Regional Focal Point for Africa from OCHA’s Emergency Response Section (ERS), accepted the UNDAC award. Both delivered brief acceptance speeches highlighting the invaluable contributions of first responders and the critical role of INSARAG and UNDAC. A link to their speeches can be found here. Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, Chief of the Emergency Response Section (overseeing UNDAC), and UNDAC Private Sector Focal Point Rhiza Nery also supported the event.

The UN Heroes Award is a significant and well-deserved recognition of the efforts of INSARAG and UNDAC, along with their operational partners. It honours every UNDAC and INSARAG member—past and present—for their dedication and the sacrifices they make to save lives and alleviate suffering in the wake of disasters. It also acknowledges their families, who are often the unsung heroes, supporting responders during deployments while hoping and praying for their safe return. This award also celebrates the efforts of the broader community of responders, including OCHA colleagues, who tirelessly “stay and deliver” in their stewardship of INSARAG and UNDAC. Most importantly, it honours the people we serve. They are, and must always remain, at the heart of our mission. They are the true first responders, and we are privileged to support them.

We extend our congratulations to the countless esteemed colleagues who have helped build and sustain the INSARAG and UNDAC networks. While we do not seek recognition for our work, being honoured in this way is a testament to the value and impact of our collective efforts.

Photo: UN Foundation / Diane Bondareff and Sara Kerens

Photo: UN Foundation / Diane Bondareff and Sara Kerens

Photo: UN Foundation / Diane Bondareff and Sara Kerens