VOICE Out Loud 37 "Anticipatory Action: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Response"

In a world increasingly prone to disasters, both natural and man-made, the humanitarian sector faces unprecedented challenges. The imperative to not only respond to crises but to anticipate and mitigate them before they unfold has never been more critical. This edition of the VOICE out loud delves into the potentially transformative approach of Anticipatory Action (AA), exploring how foresight and proactive strategies can and should reshape humanitarian aid.

Anticipatory Action represents a shift from reactive humanitarian models to one that is proactive, leveraging forecasting and early interventions to reduce the impact of disasters — and consequently reduce the level of human suffering. Despite its potential, AA currently receives a minimal amount of humanitarian funding, underscoring the need for a broader commitment and a re-evaluation of funding priorities. To truly maximise the effectiveness of anticipatory efforts, it is essential to forge stronger collaborations not only within the humanitarian sector, but also across other areas, such as
development and climate action.

This issue of VOICE out loud delves into some of the innovative approaches to AA that are being pioneered by VOICE members. Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe outlines that way in which they have effectively integrated localisation with AA, enabling communities in Southern Africa to lead crisis response efforts. Building on the theme of inclusivity, Humanity & Inclusion highlights the critical role of disaggregated data in ensuring that AA reaches all segments of society.  In addressing the urgent need for proactive humanitarian responses, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) stresses the effectiveness that AA approaches can have in fragile settings. Welthungerhilfe employs Disaster Risk Financing tools to proactively manage risks in a world increasingly prone to frequent and severe disasters. Similarly, Acción Contra el Hambre leverages advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to refine the profiling of vulnerabilities and enhance the accuracy of early warning systems, significantly transforming traditional disaster management practices.

In the ‘A Closer Look’ section, International Medical Corps describes their responsive efforts following the catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya, demonstrating the crucial role of rapid intervention in disaster situations. Additionally, the interview with Dr Michael Köhler, Grand Bargain Ambassador, looks at the broader scope of AA in humanitarian aid. Dr Köhler highlights the importance of pre-emptive measures and enhanced funding to mitigate disaster impacts before they occur, advocating for a paradigm shift towards more proactive humanitarian strategies.