The IRC was excited to attend the third edition of the European Humanitarian Forum (EHF), which took place Monday 18 - Tuesday 19 March 2024 in Brussels and was livestreamed via the EHF website.
IRC schedule | IRC panels and talks | Photo exhibit | InnovAid Prize | Our participants
About the European Humanitarian Forum
The Forum was co-organised by the European Commission (DG ECHO) and Belgium in the framework of its Presidency of the Council of the EU, taking place at a time of sharply increasing global humanitarian needs, in the context of shrinking humanitarian space, increasingly complex and protracted conflicts, the politicisation of aid, and increasing vulnerabilities due to climate change.
This third edition of the EHF looked at humanitarian aid in a wider, cross-sectoral context, exploring and addressing the implications of the current, most pressing humanitarian crises. Additionally, the Forum brought together local actors, with the objective to jointly propose innovative, more sustainable solutions to contemporary humanitarian challenges.
Learn more about the EHF and watch recordings of the sessions on the official forum website.
At the 2024 EHF, the IRC participated in two panel discussions, and one humanitarian talk. We were pleased to welcome the IRC's President and CEO, David Miliband, to Brussels for this event.
The IRC was also excited to present a photo exhibit about its work in Afghanistan amidst the challenges of the climate crisis. Continue reading for more information on these activities.
IRC events at a glance
- Monday 18 March 2024 11.00-12.30 (Studio 1)
Panel: Shifting the lens: transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable solutions through private investment (David Miliband, IRC President and CEO) Watch recording - Monday 18 March 2024 All day (Foyer 3)
IRC photo exhibit - Climate crisis in Afghanistan (Abdul Khaliq Sediqi, Afghanistan Communications Coordinator) - Tuesday 19 March 2024 9.00-10.30 (Studio 4)
Panel: Improving the efficiency of humanitarian aid delivery: the strategic humanitarian supply chain and logistics (David Miliband, IRC President and CEO) Watch recording - Tuesday 19 March 2024 15.45-17.00 (Studio 2)
Humanitarian Talk: Promoting Child Survival in the Hunger and Malnutrition Crisis: Tackling Child Wasting and Strengthening Primary Health Care in Humanitarian Settings (Moderator: David Miliband) Watch recording - Tuesday 19 March 2024 All day (Foyer 3)
IRC photo exhibit - Climate crisis in Afghanistan (Abdul Khaliq Sediqi, Afghanistan Communications Coordinator)
IRC panels and talks
Panel: Shifting the lens: transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable solutions through private investment
On Monday 18 March, IRC President and CEO David Miliband took part in a panel discussion exploring working with the private sector as a potential source of new funding and a means to address the funding gap. The panel sought to express the views of the actors at the centre of this challenge – private financiers and businesses who are the target of investment.
Panel: Improving the efficiency of humanitarian aid delivery: the strategic humanitarian supply chain and logistics
On Tuesday 19 March, IRC President and CEO David Miliband took part in a panel discussion exploring the importance of strategically approaching supply chains in humanitarian operations to improve efficiency and scale up aid delivery.
Humanitarian talk: Promoting Child Survival in the Hunger and Malnutrition Crisis: Tackling Child Wasting and Strengthening Primary Healthcare in Humanitarian Settings
Children in humanitarian settings are most vulnerable to the impacts of the hunger and malnutrition crisis. On Tuesday 19 March, this event, led by the International Rescue Committee in partnership with the Hungry for Action Campaign and the Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, discussed high impact, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to ensure no child is left behind.
With nine countries at risk of famine by the end of this year – scaled and coordinated action is urgently needed to save lives, build resilience and secure the future. It brought the perspective of affected countries, who are leading the calls for change, together with EU member states and implementing partners to outline tangible next steps to advance this goal.
Scheduled speakers included:
- Afshan Khan, Coordinator, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement
- Syed Muqadas, Afghanistan SUN Civil Society Alliance Coordinator (joining remotely)
- Brieuc Pont, Special Envoy for Nutrition 4 Growth Summit, France
- Meron and Ursule, youth advocates from affected countries, via WorldVision
Photo exhibition
For the second year in a row, the IRC presented a photo exhibition at the European Humanitarian Forum to illustrate our work and tell the stories of IRC clients.
The exhibit took place both days of the Forum and focused on the crisis in Afghanistan - particularly the alarming effects of climate change in the country. Our photo series relayed the urgency of addressing climate-related shocks experienced by Afghan households, and how IRC’s work with DG-ECHO in Afghanistan is helping to build people’s resilience to disasters and address the most urgent needs.
In attendance at the exhibit was IRC Afghanistan Communications Coordinator Abdul Khaliq Sediqi who shared the stories of the clients and staff featured in the exhibit.
European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation
In January, the European Commission announced the finalists of the first edition of the European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid). The final winner and two runners-up were awarded on 19 March 2024, at the conclusion of the European Humanitarian Forum.
The IRC was elated to win the first-ever European Prize for Humanitarian Innovation (InnovAid) recognising our innovative solutions to better assist vulnerable people affected by natural hazards and man-made crises such as conflicts.
David Miliband, IRC President and CEO
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, is a former Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom. As the son of refugees, he brings a personal commitment to the IRC's work.
Under Miliband’s leadership, the IRC has expanded its ability to rapidly respond to humanitarian crises and meet the needs of an unprecedented number of people uprooted by conflict, war and disaster. The organisation is implementing an ambitious global strategy to bring clear outcomes, strong evidence and systematic research to the humanitarian programmes through collaborative partnerships with the public and private sectors. Learn more about David Miliband.
