Humanitarian action has never before reached so many people in so many places. Humanitarians around the world are undertaking extraordinary work. However, the system is under strain. Funding cannot keep pace with growing needs as conflict, insecurity and displacement have become the norm in some parts of the world.

Human suffering from the impacts of armed conflicts and disasters has reached staggering levels. Nearly 60 million people, half of them children, have been forced from their homes due to conflict and violence. The human and economic cost of disasters caused by natural hazards is also escalating.

In calling for the World Humanitarian Summit in 2015, the Secretary-General asked that the search for solutions be based on and informed by the experience of all relevant stakeholders. The Synthesis Report captures the views of affected people, governments, civil society, humanitarian organisations, the private sector and other partners.

The inclusive consultation process resulted in five major areas for action: dignity, safety, resilience, partnerships and finance – each presenting an ambition for the future of humanitarian action. From this foundation, stakeholders can build the commitments, partnerships and transformative actions required to deliver change at the World Humanitarian Summit.