Enhancing Collaboration in International Disasters: Canadian Businesses and Humanitarian Organizations

The size, complexity, and vast economic and social impacts of international humanitarian disasters are necessitating a change in the way that society responds. Today it is likely that a response to a major international disaster will include businesses, governments, non-governmental organizations, diaspora groups, and other actors. Yet, relationships between Canadian companies and international disaster relief organizations remain limited.

Signal49 Research was engaged by the Humanitarian Coalition of Canada to conduct a research project to identify ways to enhance collaboration between humanitarian organizations and companies in Canada. The research was conducted through a literature review, a survey of select corporations and another of humanitarian organizations involved in international disaster response, and a series of workshops.

Based on the findings of this research project, Signal49 Research made recommendations to enhance collaboration in international disasters between corporations and humanitarian organizations.