Anticipatory action in the humanitarian system continues to gain momentum. In 2023, the Grand Bargain has included anticipatory action as a core element of their work. While this is a great sign of the system shifting to more proactive approaches, it is paramount to understand the scope, reach, opportunities and limitations of early and anticipatory action, and how it is part of the crisis management cycle.

Objectives:This session will unpack the role of early and anticipatory action in disaster risk management, and how different stages of the crisis management cycle interact and can positively reinforce a more timely, adequate and dignified responses.

Outcomes:

· Raise awareness from evidence collected over 2 years since the launch of Start Ready.

· Understand how different financing and funding mechanisms complement each other, as well as the role of insurance, to address disasters

· Showcase how anticipatory action fits within a larger continuum of crisis response, and how the various stages of the disaster risk management (early warning, preparedness, anticipatory action, response, recovery, etc.), must work together to address in-country needs, and how to cover the ‘last mile’, so no one is left behind.

· Highlight opportunities for local actors’ involvement (e.g., from programme design, decision-making, and in terms of accessing funds directly).

Expected audience:INGOs, UN agencies, donors (governments)