Emergency response

Key stats

• Approximately 1 million NGOs operate worldwide, with the majority focused on addressing specific social, economic, and environmental issues
• According to Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA), in 2019, NGOs received $14.3 billion in funding for disaster response – about 36% of total international humanitarian assistance

NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and disasters around the world. These organisations are independent from government and so can act quickly and efficiently to support impacted communities.

In the aftermath of an emergency, NGOs assess the situation and determine the most pressing needs of the population. They provide immediate assistance, such as food, water, shelter, and medical care, as well as long-term support, such as rebuilding homes and infrastructure.

NGOs also work closely with local communities to provide relief that’s culturally appropriate and meets the specific needs of a population. This close collaboration with local communities is important to ensure relief efforts are sustainable.

One of the key advantages of NGOs responding to emergencies is their ability to mobilise resources quickly and efficiently based on pre-existing partnerships, that are established precisely for this purpose. This often allows them to respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively than governments.

NGOs are uniquely equipped to save lives; from small emergencies to global disasters that require complex logistics and supply chains, while operating in environments of high stress, and often with traumatised populations.

With a high commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure resources are used effectively, NGOs play a key role, while working to address the root causes of disasters, such as poverty and political instability – and in doing so promoting sustainable development.

At i=Change, we’re committed to helping NGOs respond not only to emergencies when they occur, but to supporting them in the long term – once international attention has passed – to meet the ongoing needs of impacted communities, which can take years.

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