The IM Network is an inter-agency coordination structure established in April 2013 to strengthen the quality of information for evidence-based and effective development and humanitarian policy, planning and managerial decisions through a coordinated approach that builds on relevant existing information systems. It does not undertake sectoral/thematic analysis, but works with technical clusters/sector working groups to help define data requirements and to bring together available information in ways which assist such analysis by those with the relevant technical expertise.

Specifically, it aims to:

• Strengthen the quality of information (developing core sets of agreed data/information standards and protocols)
• Create more comprehensive datasets in line with the sectoral/cluster and other needs
• Document and share relevant resources across agencies and between sectors (datasets, technologies, capacities)
• Harmonize established and new dataset
• Support inter-sector/cluster IM initiatives so as to improve inter-sector analysis and monitoring and avoid duplication of effort and resources

The IM Network comprises technical representatives and IM Focal points from each sector/cluster, and from UN and operational NGOs with capacity in the area of Information Management and meets formally on the first Wednesday of each month. The GIS Technical Working Group is a standing sub-group.