Bridge the gap: connecting humanitarian strategies with the New Urban Agenda

Economic disaster losses in developing nations over the last 20 years are estimated to amount to $862 billion - equivalent in value to one-third of all international development aid. Further, other high-frequency, low-intensity disasters affect even more people and often go unnoticed both by media and policymakers. Climate change, increasing migration and displacements, civil conflicts, and rapid urbanization are all expected to amplify disasters in frequency and impact, especially for the most vulnerable, including children, youth, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Cumulatively, these crises not only threaten lives and assets but also reverse decades of global development gains. Together with a network of 190 humanitarian and development NGOs and their local partners, InterAction works towards improved policy and practice to deliver lifesaving assistance and support the recovery processes of affected populations and their local governments. While traditional approaches to humanitarian crises were siloed, CSOs have been innovating and implementing new and integrated approaches that cut across several sectors, such as shelter, health, livelihoods, and protection as seen from recent natural disasters in the Philippines, Nepal and Ecuador as well as refugee and displacement crises in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Europe. 1. The event will highlight new approaches, challenges, and lessons learned in responding to humanitarian crises in some of the most complex urban environments, and provide practical examples on how stakeholders are addressing some of the most pressing issues that cities face. 2. New partnerships between city governments, the private sector, and CSOs are necessary for effective, cohesive strategies. The event will provide opportunities for participating organizations to engage and build upon strategies for recovery, strengthening local capacity, and ensuring that the most marginalized residents are able to prepare, respond, and get back on their feet to rebuild their lives and contribute to economic and social development.