Businesses and the future of humanitarian action 

16 July 2014 16:00 – 17:30 (GMT+01 (BST))

 At the Overseas Development Institute and streamed live online

Businesses are increasingly at the forefront of humanitarian response, whether as a partner, donor or producer of goods and services for people in need.

However, many non-profit organisations have been hesitant to engage with businesses and private companies. Indeed, the motivations for businesses to get involved in humanitarian response remain poorly understood in certain corners – is it for profit, public relations, or just to do good? And does it matter?

Drawing from research in Jordan, Indonesia, Haiti and Kenya – and consultations with business and humanitarian leaders in Europe and North America – this event will bring together private companies and foundations with aid agencies to present a new business case for private sector engagement in humanitarian action – and explore how businesses can best help people during crises.

Panel 1: A new business case for private sector engagement in humanitarian action?
 

Randolph Kent – Director, Humanitarian Futures Programme, Kings College London*

Steven A Zyck – Research Fellow with the Humanitarian Policy Group, Overseas Development Institute*
*Co-authors of Humanitarian crises, emergency preparedness and response: the role of business and the private sector

Panel 2: Challenges and opportunities

Helena Fraser – Chief, Private Sector Section, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Representative from the IKEA Foundation (TBC)

Åsa Angelino – Partnership Director, Peepoople

Dylan Winder – Head of Humanitarian Response, UK Department for International Development (TBC)

Chair: TBC

To register for this event please visit the event webpage. You can also follow #ps4aid on Twitter for live coverage.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception.