Published on the World Economic Forum website January 6, 2025
Written by Arezo Kohistany, founder of PSHA, and Kareem Elbayar, Program Coordinator for the Connecting Business Initiative: Read the full WEF article here.
“Amid escalating humanitarian crises and extreme weather events, collaboration between the private and public sectors offers a transformative opportunity for disaster response. Through advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and digital cash systems, private sector initiatives are already enhancing disaster management in various regions. By fostering joint efforts between businesses, governments, and humanitarian organizations, a new era of effective and innovative disaster response can emerge… the private sector is emerging as a key partner for better disaster preparedness, response and recovery. It would be a mistake, however, to see the private sector merely as a substitute source of funds. An opportunity exists to unlock and scale up both financial resources and other resources like core skills and business capabilities.”
The first business-led emergency operations centre (BEOC) in the world is run by the Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF). Its system integrates all reliable, accurate and timely information on disaster management, allowing PDRF and its member companies to assess and reduce risks before potential disasters. The platform facilitates the planning of relief and rehabilitation efforts that complement business continuity plans and programmes.
Mastercard’s technology plays a crucial role in emergencies by quickly and efficiently delivering cash and voucher assistance to those most in need. For the last two decades, the company has worked with organizations like the World Food Programme, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to develop and streamline digital cash programmes – cards, mobile wallets, remittances or bank accounts – to provide life-saving assistance in critical situations. Such efforts simultaneously connect more people to the digital economy.
Software company Automation Anywhere developed the Telegram for Humanity bot to help a Ukrainian humanitarian organization manage refugees’ requests for aid. This solution eased work for dozens of volunteers across multiple distribution centres, equating to 200 hours of manual hours per week saved. This enables efficient relief support and access to vital services.
The number of inspiring solutions where technology enables aid is expanding, but challenges like the digital divide, data privacy and infrastructure gaps remain. Inclusivity is key. Technologies must serve all populations, especially vulnerable groups (such as women, children, and the disabled), ensuring no one is left behind.
The examples from Peru, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Mexico and Vanuatu are from local private sector collectives that are a part of the Connecting Business initiative (CBi). This is a joint effort by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that engages with businesses before, during, and after emergencies.
The recent launch of Private Sector Humanitarian Alliance (PSHA) with backing from Schmidt Futures and Google.org is a further push for meaningful public-private collaboration in humanitarian innovation. PSHA is developing an AI-led platform to predict and curate crisis needs. This matches unique corporate resources such as gifts or services in kind to on-the-ground needs. These are then reported on in real-time by implementing partners.
PSHA’s community includes AB InBev, Airlink, Automation Anywhere, BCG, Flexport, Henry Schein, the International Chamber of Commerce, Mastercard, Medtronic, Merck, Miyamoto International, monday.com, Myriad Alliance, OCHA, RELX, ServiceNow, Steelcase, US Department of State, USAID, Vodafone – alongside several local implementing partners.
These examples showcase situations where businesses work together to complement efforts by multilaterals and governments. The humanitarian and development landscapes are shifting, and climate change poses an existential threat.
It is more important than ever to highlight innovative ways in which public and private sector players can work together in disaster response. Building a common language and trust while addressing challenges can foster greater resilience at a societal level. By engaging in collaborative conversations on how to adapt, replicate, and improve innovative solutions like these, we can encourage more business networks, governments, and regions to foster greater disaster resilience worldwide.
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