Global humanitarian needs are at an all-time high and continue to grow. Crises are driven by fragility and conflict, amplified by the climate crisis. In 2023, the humanitarian community received only one-third of the $57 billion required to assist people in need, reaching 128 million people. As we approach 2024, almost 300 million people around the world are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
In recognition of the difficulties that the humanitarian system is having to keep pace with continuously increasing needs, new operating modalities for more impactful actions and a more effective and efficient use of shrinking resources are being established. Among these, Anticipatory Action (AA)is one of the fastest growing risk management approaches that is being increasingly used.
By acting ahead of predicted hazards to prevent or reduce acute humanitarian needs before they fully unfold, AA mitigates the impact of predicted shocks and thus reduces humanitarian needs, saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods. In doing so, AA not only supports people’s ability to withstand a shock, but it also protects development gains, thus meaningfully bridging the humanitarian, development and peace efforts.
However, not withstanding the steady growth in the implementation of Anticipatory Actions by a larger number of actors in different geographical areas, there is still not adequate clarity on the key elements of this approach and its effectiveness in comparison to traditional response operations. In particular, there remain still uncertainties on how AA relates to/differs from disaster preparedness and on how it is part of the wider disaster risk management (DRM) work.
Case studies that will be most likely discussed: Southern Africa, Zambia, Somalia
By presenting case studies of recent experiences in implementing anticipatory actions ahead of shocks, this session will provide the opportunity to discuss how AA contributes to broader risk management efforts at country level, and why coordinated approaches are required to make it work at scale. The session will aim at pointing to the value added of AA and seeking clarity on how AA fits within the DRM continuum and its role and legitimacy as part of DRM. | 
