A new paper from Alan Braithwaite (CILT (UK) /Catalyst Now) and Amelia Sandford (The University of Manchester) examining the performance of the humanitarian system is due to be launched at the Logistics Research Network Conference 2025, The University of Sheffield, in early September.
Titled: “Creating a Measurement and Reporting Platform to Support Improved International Humanitarian Performance“, it identifies reasons why it has failed to attain the aspirations of those that work in it and is now under threat.
The global system is experiencing savage cuts to funding (perhaps down as much as 25% in the last year), political antipathy and public concern about migration and conflict. Yet 1.7 billion people (c. 20%) still live in high inequality countries; and that inequality simply accentuates the stresses we see.
The paper observes that both the issues and the solutions are ‘known’ and well documented. Yet, somehow the different disciplines that could combine to be the platform for transformation are not being brought together. It is bizarre that techniques that have transformed the global economy and built western wealth have been sidelined all this time.
That gap offers an opportunity. Watch this space for more detail in the coming weeks.
