Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks

Session title: Cash-based livelihoods interventions: a tool for durable solutions programming

Organizer(s): IOM

26 Mar 25 09:00-10:30 UTC+1 (Pleniere A)

SessionAbstract

Cash-based interventions are increasingly recognized as one of the most effective ways of delivering humanitarian assistance. According to the CALP Network, US$7.9 billion were transferred through cash and voucher assistance to crisis-affected people in 2022 alone. In the aftermath of conflict and disasters, cash-based livelihoods interventions can play an important role in supporting economic recovery and promoting solutions for forcibly displaced persons. By addressing the capital needs of local entrepreneurs, cash grants can enable them to provide employment opportunities for displaced persons and host communities alike. Time and again,
research shows that livelihoods concerns are second only to insecurity in constituting a barrier to return and reintegration after crises.

This panel discussion will bring together actors from across the humanitarian-development nexus, the private sector and academia to discuss the potential for cash-based livelihoods interventions to contribute to durable solutions for forcibly displaced persons. Speakers will showcase promising programming modalities, such as IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund, and disseminate state-of-the-art research insights on the effectiveness of cash-based interventions. The session aims to generate interest among donors and partners, engaging diverse actors in creating sustainable economic solutions for forcibly displaced persons and their host communities.

We are excited to welcome our expert speakers to the panel:

Louis Hoffman, Senior Advisor, Office of the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General on Solutions to Internal Displacement
Kerrie Holloway, Research Fellow, ODI Global – Humanitarian Policy Group
Marine Casalis, Program Director, Immigration Policy Lab - ETH Zurich
Hanitra Gunkel, Portfolio Manager, KfW
Abbas Ahmed, Project Manager, NRC Somalia

The event takes up a recommendation from last year’s HNPW for increased focus on initiatives and programming modalities that enable local entrepreneurs to provide economic solutions for forcibly displaced persons.