Linking Thinking Reflections on the Nexus

For over three decades, the international aid community has recognized the importance of working more closely together, in order to achieve better outcomes for people affected by ‘natural’ disasters and conflict-related crises. However, achieving this in practice has proved remarkably difficult.  

The Grand Bargain (2016) put the so-called Humanitarian – Development Nexus high on the agenda. Again. And it immediately caused critical reflection: What is new in the newest nexus impulse? Has it a greater chance of success than previous efforts?

KUNO asked researcher Joanna Macrae to take stock of the ongoing debate and to look forward, which resulted in the research paper ‘Linking Thinking’: Why it is so hard and what can we do about it?  

During a working session in The Hague in June, Joanna Macrae shared her main findings, which was followed by a debate with well-informed and experienced practitioner and academics.  Introductions were given by:

• Dr. Joanna Macrae, researcher and policy officer with broad experience, working for the UK government, the World Bank, and ODI.
• Gerrit-Jan van Uffelen, independent consultant & lecturer in Disaster Recovery Management at Van Hall Larenstein University.
• Inge Leuverink, expert on emergency preparedness and humanitarian aid at Cordaid.

This report reflects the main findings of the presentation and of the debate. You will find the full report by Joanna Macrae via this link.