For profit and progress: Rethinking the role of the private sector in humanitarian action

Kilian T.  Murphy; Edwin M. Salonga; Ashfaque Zaman

doi:10.21153/thl2022art1597

Authors

Kilian T. Murphy Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
Edwin M. Salonga Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
Ashfaque Zaman Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/thl2022art1597

Keywords:

private sector, disaster risk management, humanitarian action

Abstract

Key global frameworks and guiding strategies including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 highlight the value of the private sector in the fields of humanitarian action and disaster risk management (DRM). Nonetheless, the fundamental ‘business case’ for commercial enterprises to be actively engaged in DRM and addressing humanitarian crises still requires further examination and evidence-based consideration to determine mutually beneficial value addition. This paper provides a conceptual overview of the shift in the private sector’s engagement in humanitarian action and DRM. It also considers how such engagement with the private sector has corresponded with a heightened recognition for commercial enterprises to safeguard their own business operations from disaster events while implementing development interventions that address the needs of populations affected by disasters.

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Author Biographies

Kilian T. Murphy, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

Kilian Murphy is the Program Lead, Thematic Innovations at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). He works on supporting the implementation of projects for Private Sector Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction and helping to document best practices and lessons learned in these areas. As part of ADPC’s iPrepare Business Facility, he works to raise awareness and promote an effective enabling environment for businesses to engage in Disaster Risk Reduction. He is also working to expand ADPC’s portfolio to integrate innovation for disaster risk management as part of ADPC’s flagship programs including the regional Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP).
Edwin M. Salonga, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

Edwin Salonga is a development professional, social entrepreneur, and university lecturer. With over two decades of experience working in the development sector, he is currently affiliated with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center as its Country Program Manager in the Philippines. A firm believer in the importance of local empowerment, he supports social enterprises through research and capacitybuilding interventions. He also serves as a lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University in the Philippines.
Ashfaque Zaman, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

Ashfaque Zaman is a communication specialist. He has over a decade of experience working in the fields of journalism and communications for organisations such as Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) and Save the Children Bangladesh. Ashfaque is currently a Knowledge Management Specialist at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. He focuses on developing and facilitating knowledge content and sharing on publication and digital platforms.

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