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2024 Global Humanitarian Policy Forum - Summary Report

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INTRODUCTION GLOBAL CRISES, LOCAL LEADERSHIP

The world faces compounding crises at the close of 2024. Climate shocks and stresses, protracted conflicts and economic instability have driven humanitarian needs to grave levels. Over 305 million people are projected to require humanitarian assistance in 2025—a staggering figure driven by escalating displacement, food insecurity and the widening impact of climate change.

Meanwhile, global funding shortfalls and the increasing politicization of aid delivery are straining the humanitarian system’s ability to respond effectively.

Communities on the frontlines are demonstrating remarkable resilience. From local organizations tackling the effects of climate disasters to grassroots efforts to navigate conflict, affected populations are the active agents of change. These communities have shown their ability to adapt, innovate and rebuild despite immense adversity.

However, their efforts often remain insufficiently supported due to systemic barriers such as inadequate access to funding, limited involvement in decision-making processes and a lack of alignment between global or national strategies and local realities. Bridging this gap is critical to harnessing their full potential and strengthening humanitarian impact.
The humanitarian system must evolve to meet the scale of today’s challenges. The complexity and interconnectedness of modern crises demand a shift from traditional models of aid delivery to approaches that are more inclusive, adaptive, resilient and sustainable. This requires not only increased funding but also bold leadership, innovative solutions and a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles. With millions of lives hanging in the balance and the credibility of the humanitarian sector under increasing scrutiny, the stakes have never been higher.

The Global Humanitarian Policy Forum provided a critical platform for action. On 12-13 December 2024, humanitarian experts, policymakers and practitioners convened virtually for the thirteenth annual Global Humanitarian Policy Forum (GHPF). The GHPF was hosted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation (UNF). Under the theme Global Crises, Local Leadership: Redefining Humanitarian Action for Tomorrow, the Forum explored strategies for building a more resilient and equitable humanitarian future.

Four key messages emerged from the Forum’s discussions:

1. Redesign Aid from the Ground Up: Advance community-centred approaches that empower local actors and ensure aid responds to the priorities of affected populations.

2. Scale Up Climate Action: Prioritize investment in climate adaptation and resilience efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict settings, to break cycles of hunger and vulnerability.

3. Depoliticize Aid to Restore Credibility: Address double standards and safeguard humanitarian neutrality to rebuild confidence and enhance the effectiveness of aid delivery.

4. Lead Inclusively in Times of Crisis: Foster strategic, inclusive leadership that inspires trust, amplifies diverse views and ensures accountability in the face of growing complexity and scale of today’s challenges.

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