The GÉANT community launches the Humanitarian Support Group for NRENs, an initiative created to coordinate structured support for European NRENs facing severe and sustained crises, including war, major infrastructure failure, and large-scale environmental or societal disruption.
Why it was created
In recent years, the NREN community came together to support URAN, the Ukrainian NREN, through fundraising and practical assistance. These efforts were impactful and demonstrated strong community solidarity. However, they were largely ad hoc.
The Humanitarian Support Group aims to provide a permanent, coordinated capability to respond effectively to long-lasting and large-scale crises, ensuring that solidarity across the community can be translated into structured, sustainable action.
“We have a community that genuinely wants to support one another. With this initiative, we make it easier to mobilise that support for NRENs facing extreme circumstances.” Charlie van Genuchten, Chair of the GÉANT Community Committee, SURF.
What the group does
The Humanitarian Support Group acts as a central coordination point between NRENs in need and those able to contribute.
Support may include:
- Financial assistance through coordinated fundraising and donation initiatives
- Equipment and infrastructure, such as emergency generators, networking equipment, and other critical resources
- Technical and strategic expertise, including operational, engineering, organisational, and advisory support from across the community
- Community solidarity initiatives that strengthen morale and professional networks during difficult periods
The group assesses needs, identifies available resources, and coordinates delivery to ensure that support is relevant, timely, and transparent.
Current focus
URAN continues to operate under significant pressure. In close collaboration with URAN management, the Humanitarian Support Group is further developing its operational framework while delivering ongoing, coordinated assistance to help maintain service continuity.
Get involved
The effectiveness of the Humanitarian Support Group depends on active participation from the NREN community.
For enquiries, support requests, or offers of contribution, please contact the group via the dedicated web form.
Together, we can ensure that support across the community is organised, impactful, and sustainable when it is needed most.
