A new business model for humanitarian assistance?, ODI 22nd February 2010

This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the proposals of the Global Agenda Council on Humanitarian Assistance, for a New Business Model of Humanitarian Assistance. The speakers were Simon Maxwell, Council Chair, and Dan Smith, a member of the Council.

Through conflict and natural disaster, millions are affected by humanitarian crisis each year - and the number is rising. The current crisis in Haiti has highlighted how the lack of national capacity can exacerbate a situation and increase the suffering of victims. Can we do better? The Global Agenda Council on Humanitarian Assistance, set up under the auspices of the World Economic Forum, has sought to answer this question, proposing a new business model which lays more emphasis on risk management and disaster prevention and preparedness, and which also describes a new role for the private sector.