1 Climate change and disasters

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and complexity of natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, storms, and wildfires. These events pose significant risks to the health, security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations, as well as to the infrastructure and resources needed for humanitarian response. You can prepare for these challenges by integrating climate risk analysis and adaptation measures into your planning, assessment, and coordination processes. You can also use innovative tools and technologies, such as remote sensing, early warning systems, and mobile platforms, to enhance your situational awareness and decision-making.

2 Urbanization and displacement

More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and this proportion is expected to rise in the coming years. Urban settings offer both opportunities and challenges for humanitarian assistance, as they are characterized by high density, diversity, and dynamism. You can prepare for these challenges by developing urban-specific skills and knowledge, such as understanding the local context, engaging with multiple stakeholders, and adapting to the complex and fluid needs of affected populations. You can also use urban-specific approaches and methods, such as area-based coordination, cash-based assistance, and market analysis, to deliver more effective and efficient aid.

3 Conflict and violence

Conflict and violence are among the main drivers of humanitarian crises, affecting millions of people around the world. They cause widespread human suffering, displacement, and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. They also create complex and volatile operating environments for humanitarian actors, exposing them to security risks, access constraints, and ethical dilemmas. You can prepare for these challenges by strengthening your conflict sensitivity and protection skills, such as analyzing the root causes and dynamics of conflict, applying the do-no-harm principle, and ensuring the safety and dignity of affected populations. You can also use conflict-specific tools and mechanisms, such as humanitarian negotiation, civil-military coordination, and humanitarian access advocacy, to overcome the barriers and risks to your work.