Norway's ambassador to the UN has praised the ACT Alliance, a new agency linking 100 church aid and development groups globally. He says their members are "agents of goodness".

The ACT Alliance, bringing together over 100 church-backed relief and development organisations worldwide, has been formally launched with celebrations around the world.

The incoming Action of Churches Together International coordinator for Haiti has outlined urgent priorities for the huge relief operation she is about to lead. Elsa Moreno is due to arrive in the Dominican Republic today.

Two aid and development groups, both Geneva-based, with similar names and backers, have announced they are to unite and will formally launch in March 2010 as the ACT Alliance, which will have access to billions of dollars.