Businesses and the future of humanitarian action Businesses are increasingly at the forefront of humanitarian response. But are they motivated by profit, public relations or the desire to do good – and does it matter? This event will discuss how private companies have long supported – and continue to support – people during humanitarian crises in innovative ways. OverviewRegisterDirections16 July 2014 16:00 – 17:30 (GMT+01 (BST))Public eventOverseas Development Institute and streamed onlineThis event will be streamed live on the ODI website
Chair:
Ann Grant – Vice Chairman, Africa at Standard Chartered Bank and ODI Board Member
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
Åsa Angelino – Partnership Director, Peepoople
Business representative (TBC)
Dylan Winder – Head of Humanitarian Response, UK Department for International Development (TBC)
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.
The event will be followed by a drinks reception.
Follow #ps4aid on Twitter for live coverage.
