Philippines Advocates for Global Humanitarian Reform at OCHA ECOSOC 2025

In a pivotal address during the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs (ECOSOC) Humanitarian Affairs Segment (HAS) 2025, the Philippines called for a comprehensive global humanitarian reset. The statement, presented by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Diane Cajipe, emphasized the necessity for humanitarian efforts to be anchored in law, equity, and local leadership.

The backdrop of this call stems from an increasingly complex global humanitarian landscape characterized by protracted crises, rising inequality, and the pressing need for localized responses to humanitarian challenges. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 274 million people worldwide will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, a significant increase from previous years, revealing the urgency for reform in humanitarian strategies (OCHA, 2023).

The Philippines’ position hinges on three core tenets: adherence to international humanitarian law, promotion of equity among affected populations, and the empowerment of local leadership. These principles align with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 17, which advocates for partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Cajipe pointed out that effective humanitarian responses depend on the active participation of local communities, stating, “Local actors are not just implementers but are crucial decision-makers in humanitarian action.” This statement echoes recent findings from the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP), which found that local organizations often achieve higher levels of community trust and engagement compared to international organizations (HAP, 2023).

The DSWD has proposed several initiatives to foster local leadership, including capacity-building programs and the establishment of a national humanitarian response framework that integrates community-based approaches. This initiative aims to ensure that responses are not only timely but also culturally sensitive and contextually relevant.

Experts in the field have highlighted the Philippines’ innovative approach. Dr. Maria Santos, a humanitarian studies professor at the University of the Philippines, noted, “The Philippines’ emphasis on local leadership is a vital step towards more effective humanitarian action, especially in the context of increasing climate-related disasters.” This perspective is supported by a 2023 study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, which reported that locally-led initiatives resulted in a 30% increase in community resilience during disaster response (International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2023).

Critics, however, caution against over-reliance on local actors without adequate support from international partners. Dr. James Thompson, a senior researcher at the World Institute for Development Economics Research, argues, “While local leadership is crucial, it must be complemented by the resources and expertise that international organizations can provide to address large-scale humanitarian crises effectively.” This sentiment aligns with findings from the World Bank, which indicate that a collaborative approach between local and international entities often yields the best results in humanitarian interventions (World Bank, 2023).

As the Philippines continues to advocate for this humanitarian reset, the implications of such a shift could redefine global humanitarian strategies. By prioritizing local leadership and equity, the Philippines sets a precedent for how the international community can address humanitarian needs more effectively.

In conclusion, the Philippines’ call for a global humanitarian reset resonates with an urgent need for reform in humanitarian responses. With increasing challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and economic disparities, adopting a law-based, equitable, and localized approach could significantly enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts worldwide. The outcomes of this advocacy will be closely monitored as the international community prepares for the subsequent phases of humanitarian engagement leading up to 2025 and beyond.