The term “permacrisis” has become something of a cliché in global affairs. But behind the overused rhetoric, the data is truly sobering. In 2024, the world experienced 110 armed conflicts — the highest count since World War II — while extreme weather displaced more than 800,000 people.
At the same time, official aid budgets are being cut or redirected, with humanitarian institutions being asked to do more with fewer resources.
Meeting this challenge will require not only more funding but new forms of collaborative cooperation. The future of humanitarian response depends on building a broader coalition of players — drawing not just on public institutions and NGOs, but also on the capacity, reach, and problem-solving capabilities of the private sector.
About the author
John W.H. Denton
John W.H. Denton AO is the secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce, the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies worldwide. With decades of experience across business, law, and international affairs, he is a strong advocate for enhanced private-sector engagement in global governance.
