As we enter the 2nd quarter of the XXIst century, crises are lasting longer, and the boundaries between humanitarian response and development action are increasingly blurred. Climate instability, resource tensions, and protracted displacement mean that for millions of people, there is no “back to normal.” What is needed are durable, well-managed infrastructure solutions that strengthen both displaced and host communities.
Yet, most humanitarian organizations were never designed to deliver complex infrastructure projects. To bridge this gap, collaboration with the construction, engineering, and digital contracting sectors has become essential. Leveraging private-sector expertise can transform what is often seen as a humanitarian cost into a sustainable development investment.
The International Humanitarian Infrastructure Platform (IHIP) provides the neutral space, standards, and digital tools to make this collaboration effective. Created through the joint effort of leading international organizations active in post-emergency reconstruction, IHIP connects qualified actors and reference resources for the successful design, contracting, and delivery of infrastructure in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
By promoting harmonized contract models, shared competencies, and digital workflows, IHIP helps NGOs, agencies, and firms work together more efficiently — ensuring that humanitarian infrastructure projects become lasting, accountable, and climate-resilient assets.
