As featured on BusinessMirror: World Humanitarian Day: Building resilience through business solutions
Observed annually on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day recognizes the commitment of humanitarian workers in supporting communities affected by conflict, displacement, famine, natural disasters and other crises. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to help build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.
In 2024, the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance has more than doubled since 2019, driven by a convergence of new, ongoing, and recurring crises. While humanitarian organizations remain at the forefront of emergency response, the growing need for humanitarian assistance underscores the increasingly important role businesses can play in helping communities to prepare for and respond to these growing challenges.
In the face of globalization, humanitarian issues extend far beyond the communities directly affected. A wide range of environmental, social and economic challenges increasingly affect employees, customers, supply chains and broader markets. As these challenges become more complex, organizations are increasingly called upon to look beyond immediate business priorities and consider how they can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the communities they serve.
Expectations of businesses have evolved accordingly. Organizations are assessed not only on financial performance but also on the social and environmental value they create. Investors and other stakeholders increasingly recognize that responsible business practices contribute to stronger and more resilient economies. Against this backdrop, integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into business decision-making has become an important driver of long-term value creation.
One of the most meaningful contributions businesses can make is investing in their people. Organizations are better positioned to navigate uncertainty when they invest in employee development, health, safety and well-being. Such investments strengthen workforce engagement, reinforce an inclusive culture, and enhance organizational resilience, helping maintain business continuity during periods of disruption.
Businesses can also extend their impact beyond the workplace by supporting the communities in which they operate. Partnerships with humanitarian organizations, government agencies, and community groups can strengthen local capacity and support recovery efforts. Whether through employee volunteering, skills-based contributions, or knowledge-sharing initiatives, partnerships enable organizations to combine expertise and resources in ways that create more sustainable outcomes. Lasting impact is rarely achieved through isolated efforts; it is often the result of collaboration and sustained commitment.
Responsible business practices further contribute to humanitarian outcomes by addressing vulnerabilities before they become crises. Strong governance, respect for human rights, and responsible environmental stewardship, particularly in addressing climate-related risks, all play an important role in strengthening resilience. As stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, businesses increasingly recognize that sustainable value creation requires balancing economic performance with positive social and environmental outcomes.
As we reflect on World Humanitarian Day, R.G. Manabat & Co. joins the global community in recognizing the dedication, courage, and compassion of humanitarian workers around the world. Their commitment to serving others reminds us that lasting progress depends on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to creating value for society. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, and For Better, we believe that trust is built through actions that create value beyond immediate business outcomes. As a firm, we remain committed to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex environment through quality, integrity, and insight, while supporting the transition toward more sustainable and resilient organizations. We also recognize our responsibility to foster an inclusive culture where our people are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a positive difference in the communities where we live and work.
World Humanitarian Day reminds us that addressing society’s most pressing challenges requires collective action. Governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and communities each have a role to play. By working together and acting with purpose, organizations can help build resilient communities, create lasting value, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
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This article is for general information purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice to a specific issue or entity. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent KPMG International or R.G. Manabat & Co.