High-level panel on humanitarian financing presents report
On Sunday 17 January, the high-level panel report on humanitarian financing was released and presented to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The UN says there are no fewer than 125 million people devastated by wars and natural disasters in need and a record 25 billion dollars a year is needed to aid them.
The report, Too important to fail, addressing the humanitarian financing gap, compiled by the high-level panel on humanitarian financing, aims to help find solutions to the growing gap between the increasing numbers of people in need of assistance and the resources available to provide relief. It focuses on three areas to address the funding gap: shrinking the needs, growing the resource base for funding and improving efficiency through a Grand Bargain between key humanitarian partners.
In his statement when receiving the report, the Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon said: “This report is a clarion call for a more efficient approach to humanitarian financing. It recommends better data, so we have a clearer picture. That will lead to more accurate estimates and greater trust. With that trust, we can reduce red tape and cut overhead costs. When we do that, more aid will reach more people who need it most. And with the best possible use of funds, we can inspire even more trust and attract new donors”.
The High-Level Panel is co-chaired by Kristalina Georgieva, Vice- President of the European Commission, (Bulgaria), and Sultan Nazrin Shah, Ruler of Perak (Malaysia). The other panel members are Hadeel Ibrahim (United Kingdom), Executive Director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and Badr Jafar (United Arab Emirates).
