At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, ICC joined other founding members of the Private Sector Humanitarian Alliance (PSHA), for the official launch of the pioneering global body for humanitarian coordination.
As the world’s largest business organisation, ICC will leverage its global network in 170 countries to help respond to global disasters and humanitarian crises, in line with its purpose to enable peace, prosperity and opportunity for all.
“We must see improved integration of the private sector into the humanitarian architecture to sustain peace and security in the face of increasingly complex global challenges.”
ICC Secretary General, John W. H. Denton AO.
Despite the generosity of the international community, humanitarian emergencies remain a major challenge today. Globally, 1 in 11 people face malnutrition and food insecurity. More than 130 million people have been forced to leave behind their homes, families, and their lives in search of safety. With far-ranging consequences, sometimes for generations to come.
PSHA is designed to bridge the divide between the humanitarian ecosystem and global businesses. With its unique platform for humanitarian coordination, PSHA has established the technological infrastructure needed to manage complex humanitarian efforts among diverse stakeholders, both public and private. This ensures vital resources reach those who need them most.
Reshaping humanitarian efforts through technology
PSHA’s innovative platform integrates cutting-edge data analytics, crisis intelligence, and algorithmic matching of business resources with humanitarian needs. This unique use of technology helps deliver humanitarian aid as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Improving the efficiency of humanitarian efforts not only redirects vital help toward those in need – it also ensures donors that their donations are used wisely.
In its first year of operation, PSHA has already demonstrated its potential to reshape global giving. PSHA successfully directed cross-sector coordination during the Caribbean hurricane season, saving lives. It led efforts to mobilise private sector resources for the Sudan crisis. It has also strengthened private sector support for humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.
PSHA is incubated at Schmidt Futures and operationalised under Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. It has signed Memoranda of Understanding with USAID, the US Department of State, and The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). Private sector partners include Google, BCG, Vodafone Foundation, Mastercard, Henry Schein International, Miyamoto International and Flexport.
