Co-organised jointly with the Government of Germany and with the support of the State of Geneva, the World Summit on Humanitarian Negotiation brings together thought leaders, policymakers, government representatives, academics and humanitarian actors from international and non-governmental organisations to reflect on how humanitarian negotiations shape our response to today’s most complex humanitarian crises.
In a world which continues grappling with instability, conflict, socio-economic divides, humanitarian funding challenges, misinformation, severe weather events and displacement, it is more important than ever to critically consider the role that humanitarian workers play in establishing trust with counterparts in the delivery of assistance and protection services.
These professionals are not only expected to negotiate a response to crises but also to preserve their organisation’s mandate while operating within the respect of humanitarian principles and standards.
During the World Summit, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the current and emerging negotiation challenges that humanitarian professionals and organisations must be equipped to handle in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
27-28 June 2024
Maison de la Paix – Geneva
Registrations are open
Attend the event in person or receive login details to join online.
The previous edition of the World Summit, in 2022, saw the participation of more than 750 professionals from 100 countries and over 300 organisations; half of them were joining from field locations, while others represented the senior leadership of the world’s major humanitarian agencies.
A rich agenda informed by humanitarian negotiators’ real-life challenges
The World Summit agenda is developed through the contributions of the many frontline humanitarian professionals from diverse backgrounds, agencies and world regions who compose our 7,000-strong community of practice.
- By sharing their own expertise and field practices, these professionals shape an event programme focused on those themes and contexts which are of the highest concern in today’s global humanitarian operations.
- The Summit will provide an opportunity to network, share frontline experiences, showcase achievements and find solutions to the most pressing negotiation challenges faced by the humanitarian community.
- Participants will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of humanitarian negotiations, including themes such as negotiations with local communities, humanitarian diplomacy, principled humanitarian action, and assertive or hostile counterparts.
- Emphasis will be placed on unpacking the most complex negotiation challenges faced in the framework of acute humanitarian crises including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and other contexts that demand the utmost skill and resilience from negotiators and the diplomatic community.
A draft Summit agenda will be released soon. Stay tuned!
Community Days: The annual gathering of our community of practice
The World Summit is also an opportunity for the members of our global community of practice to get together, reflect on shared challenges and innovative practices, and collectively inform the direction of the CCHN’s work.
These two “Community Days” will take place in person, in Geneva, on 25 and 26 June – just before the Summit. This segment is closed, with limited seats reserved for CCHN community members.
If you have completed one of our negotiation workshops and are therefore part of our community of practice, you should have received additional information via email on how to apply to physically attend the Community Days. Keep an eye out for our message in your inbox or contact us for additional questions.
Get in touch
For additional information on the World Summit, please contact:
[email protected]
For media enquiries, please contact:
Barbara Sartore, Head of Communication
[email protected]