In today’s era of unprecedented change and resource constraints,we are at a crossroads. The magnitude of changes in 2025 presents an opportunity to rethink and shape the future of the Joint Initiative for Greener Humanitarian Assistance that is robustbut also adaptive to the rapidly evolving space of the climate crisis, localization and greening in theHumanitarian Reset.

Evolving Phases of the Joint Initiative(2017-2025) Co-created in 2017 by former USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) with UNEP/OCHA’s Joint Environment Unit (JEU), with the objective of this first phase of the Joint Initiative to enhance coordination between humanitarian and environmental actors to improve assessments of environmental risks related to humanitarian response. One key first phase outcome expanded the ground-breakingwork of the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Environmental Assessment Tool or NEAT into an inter-agencyNexus Environmental Assessment Tool (NEAT+).

The Joint Initiative then evolved in 2019 into the second phase, to “The Joint Initiative for Sustainable Humanitarian Assistance Packaging Waste Management,” with a strategic focus on enhanced coordination among supply chain actors working on environmental issues, and improved packaging sustainability. The second JI collaborated closely with the Global Logistic Cluster’s Waste Management and Measuring, Reverse Logistics, Environmentally Sustainable Procurement and Transport, and Circular Economy (WREC) Project.

In 2024, with support by multiple donors, the third JI phase focused on creating space and conditions for harmonizing humanitarian donors’ greening requirements. The proactive efforts of the nimble Donor Greening Group of technical experts published the first of its kindCommon Donor Priority Actions for Greening Humanitarian Assistance sending a clear signal from these donors, that as humanitarians, we are more efficient working with, and not against nature.

We believe that before we reimagine the Joint Initiative, we must ask the right questions and listen. At HNPW 2026 onMarch 5, 2026,we will create space for honest debate and collective reflection on the foundational choices facing us all in this unprecedented moment of such institutional disruption. By preference, this gathering will bevirtual only, to promote the greatest inclusion of known and new colleagues globally.  We are joining efforts of USAID alumni who hosted a#Reimagining Conservation event at the2025 New York City Climate Week. We will question how to bestseize this unique momentto addressdigital continuity and inclusionof environment and humanitarian websites, tools, datasets and analyses that are being lost, working withUSAID Knowledge Rescue and others.We know that emerging technologies will only be successful with input from communities affected by disasters, to reduce digital exclusion for people-centered greening of humanitarian action.

We will question if and how we canbroaden traditional supportfor the Joint Initiative from Donors, UN and NGOs by expanding into academia, private sector, foundations, scientific and engineering networks (e.g.International Association for Impact Assessment), natural history museums, and more. We know that we will not be successful in our shared work without an approach rooted inclimate justice. We know that we will shape and influence better together with deep networks and expertise of colleagues in Africa, Asia, Europe, Caribbean and the Americas in nature, communication, and digital technology innovations.

To support with the hard-earned gains on greening humanitarian response, we will continue to coordinate with networks working on greening of humanitarian action, highlighting the essential role of nature-based solutions likeFriends of Ecosystem Based Adaptation (FEBA),Sphere, Environmental Community of Practice (ECoP), Global Shelter and Logistics Clusters,WREC,Réseau Environnement Humanitaire (REH),The Climate and Environmental Charter for Humanitarian Organizations and others. We will build upon previous efforts such as the NEAT+ Roadmap developed from a retreat hosted by NRC and funded by ECHO in November 2024.

We are a coalition of global environmental and humanitarian practitioners, as well as allies who all have important ideas on how to reimagine the Joint Initiative for Greener Humanitarian Assistance. At this time of great disruption, maintaining connections and collective actions are more powerful than ever. We look forward to hearing from you.