The Sphere Handbook is one of the most widely used sets of humanitarian standards globally. Since the current edition was published in 2018, the humanitarian landscape has changed significantly. Crises have become more protracted and complex, while climate change, pandemics, displacement, urbanisation, digital transformation and evolving conflict dynamics continue to reshape humanitarian action.

Feedback from across the sector confirms the need for revision. To ensure the Handbook remains relevant, practical and accessible, Sphere is undertaking a global revision process that will result in a new edition of the Handbook and an accompanying digital platform in late 2028.

What Will Be Revised? 

The revision will review: The Humanitarian Charter, The Protection Principles and technical chapters: Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Health, Food Security and Nutrition and Shelter and Settlement. 

The revision will also strengthen the integration of cross-cutting themes and improve alignment across the Humanitarian Standards Partnership (HSP). 

A Global Community Effort 

The revision is being developed by the humanitarian community for the humanitarian community. 

The process is highly participatory, consensus-based and evidence-informed, bringing together humanitarian professionals and frontline responders, communities affected by crisis, HSP members, Sphere focal points and trainers, government authorities, academics, researchers, donors, private sector partners and other stakeholders from around the world. 

This collaborative approach helps ensure that the revised Handbook reflects diverse perspectives, responds to operational realities, and maintains the technical credibility and legitimacy of Sphere Minimum Standards. 

The revision relies on Sphere’s global voluntary network and the in-kind contributions of technical experts across the humanitarian sector. 

How to Get Involved 

Global participation is essential to ensuring that the revised Handbook reflects the needs and experiences of the humanitarian community. 

Input gathered through consultations, surveys, workshops, peer reviews, and draft review processes will help shape both the content and usability of the revised Handbook. 

Opportunities to Participate

Technical Working Groups 
The first round of nominations for WASH, Health, Food Security and Nutrition, and Shelter and Settlement has temporarily closed for consolidation. However, participation will continue throughout the revision process, and additional opportunities to contribute expertise will become available as the revision progresses. Open calls for participation will be announced on this page. 

Thematic Experts  
Join as experts in one of the cross-cutting themes that will be integrated across the Handbook. Calls for participation are expected to open in July 2026. 

Consultations and Community Engagement
Participate in consultations, surveys, workshops and feedback processes. Stakeholders may also host or facilitate local and regional consultations. Expected mainly in 2027. 

Communications and Advocacy
Support awareness, visibility and dissemination through events, newsletters, webinars, and professional networks. Ongoing.  

Learning, Tools and Knowledge Sharing
Share evaluations, reports, lessons learned, research and evidence that can shape the revision process. Ongoing. 

Funding and In-Kind Support
Provide financial or in-kind support for consultations, translations, secondments and technical contributions. Ongoing  

Past Opportunities 

Steering Committee Nominations
Nominations for joining the Steering Committee were open from February to May 2026 and are now closed. 

Opportunities to participate in the revision, including nominations, consultations and feedback processes, will be announced throughout the revision and shared on this page as they become available. 

To receive revision updates, please subscribe to the Sphere newsletter. 

If you have any comments or questions, please email: revision@spherestandards.org  

2026 – Planning and Framework Development
Governance, revision and editorial methodology, stakeholder engagement and consultation planning. 

2027 – Drafting and Consultation
Content review, global consultations, content development and validation. 

2028 – Production and Launch
Editorial production, digital platform development and global launch. 

A more detailed revision timeline will be published on this page and will be updated as the revision progresses.