Over the past decade, the humanitarian landscape has changed significantly. Climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving conflict dynamics, and new operational risks have reshaped humanitarian action.
Feedback from across the sector confirms the need for revision. To remain relevant, practical, and effective, Sphere’s Minimum Standards must now be updated by the humanitarian community for the dignity of people affected by crisis.
The revision process depends on full engagement across the sector. We invite Sphere users, members, focal points, trainers, technical experts and partners to contribute in several ways.
Join us. We’re seeking experienced individuals to take on the following roles:
The Steering Committee will guide and advise the Handbook Revision.
We are seeking nominations for:
Nominees should demonstrate strong commitment to Sphere’s mission and purpose, understand sector-wide implications, and be able to represent diverse stakeholder perspectives.
We are seeking experts for the following technical chapters:
We also welcome expertise for the foundation chapters:
We are coordinating with Global Clusters and greatly value your suggestions – including names and contact details.
Alongside the core chapters, the revision will identify a shortlist of cross-cutting themes to reflect interconnected risks and operational realities.
Previous themes have included gender and gender-based violence, disability inclusion, mental health and psychosocial support, urban settings, climate and environment, cash and markets, and accountability and learning.
What continued or emerging issues must the next Handbook address in this way?