The humanitarian system faces an unprecedented strain, characterized by a surge in challenges:

• In 2022 alone, there were more than 470 disasters caused by natural and human-induced hazards, a significant increase from 240 in 2006.
• The funding gap has accelerated dramatically, surging from USD 3 billion in 2010 to a staggering USD 20 billion in 2022.
• Over 300 million people find themselves in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

As the demand for humanitarian funding continues to escalate, the feasibility of traditional public sector donors meeting these growing needs becomes increasingly remote. Moreover, data from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) underscores a compelling argument: for every dollar invested in disaster risk reduction and prevention, up to 15 dollars can be saved in post-event recovery efforts.

At the same time, the impacts of climate change are intensifying, resulting in more frequent and severe extreme weather events. This alarming trend coincides with a rise in complex scenarios where multiple crises intersect, creating what are often referred to as "polycrises." These multifaceted challenges make preparation and response to emergencies markedly more daunting, underscoring the urgent imperative for effective disaster risk reduction and management strategies.

The case for an inclusive disaster risk governance model is now clearer than ever before, necessitating a collaborative effort that actively involves the private sector. Such an approach entails having the private sector included in discussions about risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.

In this context, the OCHA-UNDP Connecting Business initiative (CBi) is poised to convene its Member Networks alongside prospective networks and key partners at its 2023 Global Meeting. The focus will revolve around strategic discussions on "Reaching New Heights: Scaling Up Private Sector Engagement in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Action" and understanding our collective aspirations when it comes to private sector engagement.

Objectives

The Connecting Business initiative (CBi) was established by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote strategic engagement with the private sector before, during, and after emergencies.

Drawing inspiration from the Turkish Peninsula’s unique geography that bridges Asia and Europe, the CBi Global Meeting 2023 aims to bring together CBi Member Networks and partners from different parts of the world to:

• Celebrate achievements and good practices on private sector collaboration in disaster management and humanitarian action with a focus on priority thematic areas such as earthquake resilience and early action and preparedness for El Niño;
• Reflect on aspirations, lessons learnt and gaps when it comes to global and local coordination mechanisms in disaster management; and,
• Strengthen the CBi global community by celebrating and launching new CBi member networks.

Participants

Participation is by invitation only. To promote open and interactive discussion, attendance will be limited to a maximum of 50 individuals drawn primarily from CBi Member Networks and prospective private sector networks as well as key partners.

For more information, please contact connectingbusinss@un.org