Throughout this series, insights from the 2017 OCHA study “A study of private sector engagement in humanitarian action,” have shown how humanitarian engagement can unlock commercial opportunities, strengthen internal assets, and mitigate business risks. Now, we arrive at perhaps the most strategic rationale: influence.
Today, companies engage in humanitarian action not only to respond to crises, but to proactively shape the environments in which they operate. These partnerships give businesses direct access to build influential relationships with governments, civil society, and international organizations—granting a powerful voice in policy and planning.
Building a Powerful Network
Humanitarian partnerships create a gateway for forging high-value relationships that are difficult to establish via strictly commercial channels. Collaborating on shared goals builds trust, aligning businesses with a broad network of allies across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
The network’s significance is clear: many company representatives in the OCHA study cited opportunities for networking and engaging with governments and international organizations as essential motivations for their involvement. Remarkably, 50% of surveyed companies would end a partnership if it failed to build these relationships. This provides a key insight: for leading organizations, partnerships are not solely simple philanthropic efforts—they are vital tools for developing the political and social capital needed to succeed in complex global markets. As quoted in the report: “Building relationships with governments and other actors in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies helps companies identify and act on market opportunities.”
Examples:
- UPS in Rwanda: For UPS, humanitarian engagement directly supported its efforts to build strong relationships with local authorities. This was not just beneficial for its aid work but was also highly relevant to its strategic goals for new market development in the country.
- Swiss Re: The reinsurance giant works with governments to professionalize risk management, viewing international organizations as “unbiased interlocutors” who facilitate dialogue and drive policies that benefit all stakeholders.
By building trust and credibility, these partnerships open doors to decision-makers and lay the groundwork for future commercial success and policy discussions.
Influencing Policy and the Political Landscape
Strategic humanitarian engagement—especially when done collectively—empowers the private sector to influence policy and address the root causes of instability. When businesses demonstrate commitment and provide expertise, they earn legitimacy to advocate for the reforms that underpin a stable, predictable operating environment.
The OCHA study presents compelling cases:
- Kenya Election Violence (2008): In the face of turmoil, the Kenyan private sector mobilized through business associations to pressure the government on the underlying causes of conflict, recognizing that long-term stability was essential for business success.
- Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation: This coalition of companies uses its platform to advocate for regulatory reform, encouraging further private sector investment in disaster resilience and nurturing a cycle of preparedness and stability.
Influence is a core motivation for engagement: 31% of surveyed companies would terminate a partnership if it failed to sway government or regulatory decisions.
Series Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Corporate Action
As demonstrated in this final post, strategic humanitarian engagement offers companies unparalleled access, a powerful network, and a credible voice to shape their operating environment.
Over this four-part series, the evidence from the OCHA study builds a comprehensive case for why the private sector must engage in humanitarian action. The rationales are clear, strategic and interconnected:
- Commercial Opportunities: Gaining access to new markets and fueling product innovation.
- Business Assets: Enhanced brand reputation and a more engaged, skilled and loyal workforce.
- Risk Reduction: Ensuring business continuity by building community and corporate resilience.
- Relationships and Influence: Gaining ´a seat at the table´ to shape policy and a more stable operating environment.
The old approach—corporate philanthropy as a disconnected, feel-good gesture—no longer meets the needs or harnesses the full potential of humanitarian engagement. When integrated into the corporate strategy, embracing long-term engagement, and embedded in organizational culture, humanitarian partnership drives profound, measurable, and shared value.
The evidence is clear: leading companies are already leveraging humanitarian action for growth, talent, and influence. To learn more about the business benefits, subscribe to this newsletter or contact us for support in tapping into this opportunity.
