Monday, 6 May | 11:00 – 12:30 CEST | Salle 3 | in-person only

For decades, the private sector has played an increasingly important role in humanitarian response. Businesses and private foundations have long been a source of cash and in- kind donations, but they are now becoming critical actors in response operations as well. Private firms handle global humanitarian logistics; design and implement key functions like the distribution of cash assistance and communications with affected people; and even conduct needs assessments and distribute aid directly following sudden-onset emergencies. Despite these trends, private sector participation in humanitarian meetings and decision-making fora remains limited at best.

Now in its tenth year, Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) is the largest annual gathering of humanitarian practitioners and experts from UN  agencies and international organizations, governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Jointly organized by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, HNPW brings together some 2,500 participants involved in nearly every aspect of humanitarian practice – from the climate crisis to the latest in emergency response and preparation – from all over the globe.

The critical need for the private sector to be ‘at the table’ and part of the conversation as a bona fide partner has been recognized from all quarters. That said, with more than 60 networks present and dozens of events every day for three full weeks, navigating HNPW can be a daunting prospect.

To manage this challenge and to help make the most of the networking and partnership events, OCHA is organizing a welcome, information-sharing and networking session for private sector representatives and representatives of humanitarian organizations that work on private sector engagement. Held on the first day of the in-person segment of HNPW, this 1.5-hour session will provide an overview of the current humanitarian landscape, highlight HNPW sessions of particular interest to the private sector, and allow for informal networking and exchange between relevant stakeholders.

Agenda

• Welcome and Introduction
• Presentation: Overview of the Humanitarian Landscape in 2024
• Panel Discussion: From Pocketbooks to Real Partners – Lessons Learned in Humanitarian
• Response
• Presentation: How to Make the Most of HNPW
• Q&A and Informal Networking

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register online here.