CSIS Launches New Center-wide Initiative on Humanitarian Assistance

WASHINGTON, October 30, 2017: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announces that it is elevating its voice on humanitarian issues in the foreign policy space by creating a new program, called the Humanitarian Agenda, to examine the changing landscape of humanitarian assistance in the twenty-first century.

The initiative will energize and leverage the international humanitarian community, help shape U.S. government strategic planning and policies, and increase understanding of the challenges and innovations in humanitarian efforts. Kimberly Flowers, director of the CSIS Global Food Security Project, will lead the program, which is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

“National leaders, donors, and aid organizations face unprecedented humanitarian needs and must find innovative solutions to respond effectively. Thus, this program will be vital to shaping the landscape of global humanitarian assistance,” said Dr. John J. Hamre, CSIS president and CEO. “The unique aspect of the Humanitarian Agenda is that it draws on the strengths of our programs and experts across the center, as humanitarian issues are truly cross-cutting.”

CSIS will use its unparalleled convening power to explore some of the most challenging issues facing humanitarian assistance, from the role of the private sector to dealing with protracted conflicts. The program will leverage existing work and expertise from CSIS programs such as the Human Rights Initiative, Africa Program, Project on Prosperity and Development, Americas Program, International Security Program, Turkey Project, Middle East Program, and the Global Health Policy Center to look at U.S. leadership in this area, providing fresh policy solutions.

“This initiative on humanitarian assistance will bring together the brightest minds to solve some of the world’s most complex, urgent challenges,” said Kimberly Flowers, director of the Humanitarian Agenda. “Our work will shape policies that can save lives. It is both an honor and a huge responsibility to lead this effort.”

The Humanitarian Agenda’s first public event will be held at CSIS headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday, October 30, 2017, at 3:30 p.m. and will be live streamed on the CSIS website.