HNPW 2026: Beyond relief: Building resilience through response

Time

14:00 - 15:30 CET

Background

At  Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) 2026 , the OCHA Stand-By Partnership Programme, the Dutch Disaster Risk Reduction & Surge Support (DRRS) programme and UNDRR will host an online session exploring how technical support staff deployed during disaster response can strengthen both immediate response and long-term recovery by linking effectively with national and local systems.

As disasters grow in frequency and complexity, the response phase is increasingly recognized as a critical entry point for shaping resilient recovery. This online session will explore how technical support staff deployed for disaster response—through the Standby Partnership Network and other networks—can enhance both immediate relief efforts and long-term recovery outcomes by effectively linking with national and local systems.

Drawing on lessons from recent recovery experiences, the discussion will highlight practical approaches for integrating Build Back Better (BBB) principles early in the response phase. Interventions will be examined not only for addressing urgent needs but also for laying the foundation for sustainable development.

The session will reference findings from the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework, which revealed persistent gaps in systematically applying BBB principles. Using experiences from the Recovery Readiness Framework and Assessment Tool, as well as lessons from the International Recovery Platform (IRP), the dialogue will explore strategies to link response-phase support with national capacity development, governance, and disaster recovery finance. Case studies from Brazil and other contexts will illustrate practical approaches and lessons learned.

Through interactive discussion and audience engagement, participants will identify ways for disaster response actors, including Stand-By Partners, to strengthen recovery systems and accelerate progress toward Priority 4 of the Sendai Framework: enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and resilient reconstruction.

Session objectives

• Highlight the role of technical support staff in shaping resilient recovery through disaster response.
• Explore strategies for linking response operations to national and local systems, aligning with long-term recovery goals.
• Share lessons from recent disaster recoveries and examine barriers to systematically applying BBB principles.
• Discuss actionable approaches to overcome challenges in integrating recovery into response operations.

Expected outcomes

• Improved understanding of how early response actions influence recovery trajectories and sustainable development.
• Identification of best practices and innovative approaches for integrating BBB principles during deployment.
• Practical recommendations for enhancing coordination between international technical support and national/local systems.