Perspectives on the Future of Humanitarian Action

Over recent years, the rapidly evolving nature of conflicts and complex humanitarian crises has not only deeply challenged, but also changed the humanitarian sector. Three main types of factors influence today the future of humanitarian action: first, the multifaceted threats to populations and the corresponding mobilization of humanitarian response; second, the challenges to compliance with fundamental humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law, and access to vulnerable populations; and, third, the emerging innovative tools and methods that the humanitarian sector itself applies to respond to humanitarian crises.

The creation of the ICRC 150 years ago marks the beginning of modern humanitarianism. This anniversary represents an opportunity to reflect on the evolution not only of the ICRC, but of the humanitarian sector in general. It is also an occasion to critically assess how humanitarian organisations anticipate future crisis and challenges, while becoming more professional, adaptive and capable of engaging with new humanitarian actors.

To this end, HPCR and the International Review of the Red Cross are pleased to co-host this Live Web Seminar in light of the recently launched issue of the Review on “The future of humanitarian action” (IRRC, No 884).

The panelists will give their perspective on key questions relating to the future of humanitarian action, including:

What are the most salient challenges for humanitarian organizations today given the multifaceted and complex nature of these crises?
How do increasingly complex environments expand our reflection and understanding of what it means to be a humanitarian professional?
Is there a common understanding of the humanitarian principles and should they be reinterpreted in light of the current challenges in the field?
How will the emerging challenges in humanitarian response transform the current networks and partners of humanitarian actors?"
Expert Panel:

Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC
Erika Feller, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, UNHCR
Fabrice Weissman, Coordinator and Research Director at Fondation MSF
Jehangir Malik, Director of Islamic Relief UK
Moderated By:

Christina Blunt (Senior Project Coordinator, HPCR)
Vincent Bernard (Editor-in-Chief of the International Review of the Red Cross)