Istanbul is set to host the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit in May of this year. According to the Summit’s website, U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon and his family, were forced to flee their home during the Korean war when he was just six years old.

His experiences inspired him to convene the World Humanitarian Summit “as a call for global action to alleviate the suffering of the 125 million people around the world affected by conflicts and disasters”.

At the heart of this initiative is building a more inclusive global humanitarian system with a strong commitment to human rights principles and development. Consultations will provide opportunities for all actors to discuss challenges and emerging trends, identify recommendations and develop a plan of action for the future of humanitarian efforts.

To create a path forward leading up to the summit, the secretary called for an “Agenda for Humanity” based on five core responsibilities:

1. Global leadership to prevent and end conflict

According to the U.N., conflicts drive 80 percent of all humanitarian needs. Finding solutions to current conflicts and preventing future problems is critical to ensuring greater quality of life for all the world’s citizens.

2. Uphold the norms that safeguard humanity

According to the Secretary General’s report, “we are witnessing the erosion of 150 years of international humanitarian law”. A second focus of the World Humanitarian Summit will be to determine ways that leaders will recommit and be held accountable to upholding humanitarian rules.

3. Leave no one behind

The Summit seeks to reach all global citizens and empower people of all ages, nationalities and genders to be agents of positive change. This goal is in line with the U.N.’s newly implemented Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to reduce inequalities by improving gender parity, ensuring quality education and continuing to eradicate poverty and hunger.

4. Change people’s lives – from delivering aid to ending need

The Secretary General’s report states, “Success must now be measured by how people’s vulnerability and risk are reduced, not by how needs are met year after year.” This will require a focus on reinforcing effective political and social policies in struggling nations. Additionally, new ideas and innovative methods will be welcomed.

5. Invest in Humanity

Acting upon this responsibility to humanity requires political, institutional and financial investment. This fifth category will focus on shifting funds to finance and invest in local communities. This funding must be effective, informed and increase the incentive for cooperative outcomes. Focus will also be placed on reducing the funding gap for humanitarian needs.

This September, the U.N. reports, Ban Ki-moon will submit his report on the outcomes of the Summit to the General Assembly. Member States will then decide to adopt some or all of the recommendations through intergovernmental negotiations.

For the millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance, there is no better time than now.

– Taylor Resteghini

Photo: Wikimedia