Why Is World Humanitarian Day Important?

Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day dedicated to humanitarian workers in every corner of the globe who stand on the frontlines of disaster-ridden and war-torn areas to offer critical support to those affected. While embodying the relentless courage and dedication of our humanitarian workers, the day is also a strong call to protect innocent civilians as well as humanitarian workers in regions battered with crises and protracted conflicts.

World Humanitarian Day falls on August 19th every year and serves as a grim reminder of the devastating bomb attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which claimed the lives of 22 aid workers, including the head of mission, Sergio Viera de Mello. It commemorates the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in pursuit of their mission.

The Growing Role of the Private Sector in Humanitarian Efforts

As we witness the increase in humanitarian crises and disasters and their growing complexity, it is paramount that all stakeholders come together for unified action. While humanitarianism, originally rooted in NGOs and government bodies, the private sector has gained significant traction over the past decades as an active stakeholder contributing in the form of resource mobilization, logistical expertise, and innovative technologies to mitigate the impact of crises.

At A-PAD, we realize the immense potential of the private sector to make a difference in people’s lives, especially in times of crisis and disasters. By furthering our efforts to strengthen public-private sector partnerships, we aim to build a more resilient community. We work collaboratively with corporations, helping them direct their CSR initiatives towards meaningful humanitarian action spanning from disaster management to emergency response to community resilience.