On 12 April, the first session of the new learning stream on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus took place, jointly organized by ICVA and PHAP. The event explored how humanitarian action can contribute to development and peace efforts and considered some of the risks and challenges involved in changing ways of working and pursuing collective outcomes.

This introductory discussion focused on the main actors and current initiatives aiming to bring together humanitarian, development, and – when appropriate – peace work. The session included presentations by UN and NGO guest experts, who provided their own perspective on working in the “nexus”. 

Follow-up responses

Read the written responses to the follow-up questions by the guest expert

Recommended resources

• ICVA, "The “New Way of Working” Examined: An ICVA Briefing Paper," International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), September 2017.
• ICVA & PHAP, Topic Five – The New Way of Working: What is it? What does it mean for NGOs?, ICVA-PHAP Learning Stream on Humanitarian Coordination, webinar recording on YouTube, 5 October 2017.
• O’Brien S., Rising humanitarian needs call for a new way of working, Portland Communication, March 2017.
• OCHA, “Commitment to Action: Transcending Humanitarian – Development Divides”, Agenda for Humanity, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2016.
• Report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, “Repositioning the United Nations development system to deliver on the 2030 Agenda: ensuring a better future for all.” General Assembly Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), July 2017.

During the event the following resources and websites were mentioned by speakers and participants:

• Hugo Slim, "Nexus thinking in humanitarian policy: How does everything fit together on the ground?," Keynote address to the World Food Programme (WFP) Annual Partnership Consultations, 25 October 2017.
• De Castellarnau, M. and Stoianova, V., "Bridging the emergency gap: Reflections and a call for action after a two-year exploration of emergency response in acute conflicts", Emergency Gap Project, Médecins Sans Frontières, Barcelona, April 2018.
• PHAP's Certification on Applying Humanitarian Principles in Practice.
• Community of Practice: Humanitarian Principles in Practice.

Target audience

This event is relevant for anyone working in crisis response contexts seeking a stronger understanding of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, but is particularly targeted to those working in international and national NGOs. The event is also open to the public.

Learning stream on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus

As part of the learning stream on the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, this event was the first session of five live interactive online learning events that ICVA and PHAP will be organizing in the coming months. The purpose of these sessions is to provide NGOs and aid workers with a stronger understanding of the efforts to overcome the divide between the humanitarian, development, and – when appropriate – peace communities. Register for other upcoming sessions:

• 24 May - The World Bank and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus
• 8 June - UN reform: The link to the "nexus" and what it means for non-UN actors