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.

How to be involved

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.

Nominate Experts

Join us. We’re seeking experienced individuals to take on the following roles:

We are seeking nominations for experts in the following technical chapters:

• Food Security
• Health
• Nutrition
• Shelter and Settlement
• WASH

We also welcome expertise for the foundation chapters:

• Humanitarian Charter
• Protection Principles

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?