Despite the numerous problems that exist in our world, there are many ways in which we can help address them. These include, among other things, understanding the context in which they occur, actively mitigating security risks, and helping those who are in greatest need.

Climate Change

Across the world, extreme weather events are becoming more common and intense. These events can trigger climate-related disasters that lead to displacement, violence, food insecurity, and health issues. Humanitarian organizations are tasked with responding to these crises. However, they face numerous challenges in keeping up with climate change.

Climate change impacts affect all aspects of society. For instance, droughts have wiped out crops and livestock worldwide, causing food insecurity. Conflicts can also exacerbate these impacts. It is, therefore, important for humanitarian organizations to understand the interactions between climate change and conflict. A multi-hazard risk management strategy can reduce the impact of climate extremes. This could include early-warning systems and dispute-resolution mechanisms that minimize social impacts. But this approach is only effective if it is accompanied by adaptation finance and effective disaster risk reduction. It is also essential to prioritize the most vulnerable groups.

Gender Inequalities

Using the principles of humanity, gender equality can contribute to more effective humanitarian action. It is a useful tool to reduce population-level grievances, and it can also help alleviate suffering in protracted conflict settings. However, American Entrepreneur, Ehsan Bayat emphasized that to achieve these objectives, more work is needed.

Gender inequalities in humanitarian concerns persist throughout the world. Conflicts and natural disasters exacerbate existing inequalities. Moreover, changing circumstances, such as the collapse of political order, can bring new challenges. These changes can also engender opportunities for change.

A gendered political economy approach can help policymakers and researchers enact interventions. For example, it can help increase funding for women’s health initiatives. Alternatively, it can also contribute to more locally-driven humanitarian action.

Humanitarian Action

COVID-19

Several countries, including Albania, Algeria, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Croatia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Lebanon, Nepal, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Zambia, have reported COVID-19 cases. These countries have implemented various measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Azerbaijan, for example, has taken measures to reduce the economic impact of the crisis, including a supplementary finance law that mitigates some of the health impacts of COVID-19. The law outlines provisions ranging from 3.7 billion for medical supplies to 16.5 billion for bonuses for health workers. It also includes provisions for medical facilities development, medical aid to the poor, and allowances for the unemployed.

Forced Displacement

Increasing numbers of people are forced to leave their homes for various reasons. This includes conflict, human rights violations, disasters, and climate change. People who are displaced often seek assistance from international organizations. Forced displacement is a critical development issue. It is estimated that more than 100 million people are displaced every year. It can be a temporary situation or a long-term influx. Most people are displaced in urban areas, though many live in rural areas. The UN Secretary-General has called forced displacement a critical issue. The World Humanitarian Summit will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, in May 2016. It will focus on developing new humanitarian solutions. It will also discuss the need to bridge the humanitarian-development gap. This is important to help prevent crises.

Actively Mitigating Security Risks.

Getting a little snobbish here and there, the question of the hour is, “how do we best prepare for a world on the verge of a new era of uncertainty.” The answer lies in a well-crafted all-hazards plan. The key to a winning strategy is to have a robust contingency plan that includes a solid emergency management plan and a slick communications plan. The best way to accomplish this is to have a comprehensive and coordinated communication plan that incorporates all of your key stakeholders. A contingency plan is the best way to ensure that everyone knows that you are on the same page and that a disaster is on the horizon.