MESSAGES FROM THE ADVISORY GROUP The sad fact is that not only are humanitarian needs rising, as the rising world population faces increased risks from climate change, environmental degradation and the consequences of conflict, but anyone in the business also knows we need to do much more to reduce the impact of disasters before they happen, and to build local capacity. This report is another wake-up call to all concerned—humanitarian and development agencies, donors and affected Governments alike—to take our collective heads out of the sand, and apply more of our minds and our resources in these directions. There should be no more excuses. John Holmes, former UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Chair of the International Rescue Committee – UK, and author of “The Politics of Humanity” (Head of Zeus, 2013)
A timely, valid and indispensable piece of research, reminding us that response alone is unsustainable, and that collective early action saves not only lives, but increases development opportunities. We can heed the recommendations today, or wait for hazards to unceasingly challenge us, and for tomorrow’s generation to judge us as a generation that could have done more but chose to do less. Pamela Komujuni, Senior Disaster Management Officer, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda
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Although it is impossible to avert all disasters, measures can and must be taken to alleviate suffering before it happens. This study makes the case for a paradigm shift in the way we approach responses to humanitarian crises. While response is still critical, much has to be done to boost crisis prevention. And the task does not solely rest with humanitarian organizations. This is a study that should remain on the desk of all concerned with saving lives. Misikir Tilahun, Head of Programmes, Africa Humanitarian Action
International disaster response cannot keep pace with burgeoning global challenges. Preventing catastrophes is possible, but this requires a new way of thinking and acting. Development and humanitarian actors, from local to global, need to reorient the way they operate to systematically analyse and manage risk. This study provides a compelling call for change. It also provides timely recommendations as the world looks towards the post-2015 framework for development and disaster risk reduction, alongside the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit. Kevin Savage, Humanitarian Research Coordinator, World Vision International