2019 Impact Report: Shaping a brighter world
Despite our unwavering belief that change is always possible, it is tough to overlook the fact that 2019 was beset with global turbulence, multiple countries suffering from protracted crisis and conflict, and rising humanitarian need.
Last year the number of people displaced rose to more than 70 million and natural disasters such as Cyclone Idai in East Africa, and ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, threatened the safety, stability and health of millions.
We’re striving more than ever to harness new partnerships, innovations, technology, ideas and improved ways of working to positively affect more people in the places where we work. This past year we reached nearly 29 million people; a scale greater than any time in our history. Underpinning much of our work is a commitment to building the resilience of communities in the face of shocks and stresses, more urgent than ever as we scale-up our response to the climate crisis.
Empathy and compassion – qualities our global team of humanitarians stand for – have never been more needed. I want to express my deepest appreciation to all who have contributed to our work around the world this year.
With gratitude,
Simon O’Connell
Executive Director
It takes all of us to build a brighter future
What we’ve achieved together in 2019 has built a better world for millions of people. With your support, our work has made an impact and continues to open new opportunities for the future.
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29m
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2.3m
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6
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200k+
Explore the stories below to see the impact you’ve helped make in key areas of our work. And to see our vision for the future, read our 2020 priorities for shaping a better world.
Adapting to our climate crisis
The world’s most vulnerable communities are already facing the challenges of climate change. Through technology, we’re developing innovative ways to connect communities to crucial information, resources and solutions. By helping people adapt to changing weather patterns, we’re helping them build better lives for themselves and their families.
Better data for a better world
We’re partnering with NASA to expand our AgriFin programme. See how small-scale farmers can soon harness the power of satellite data to manage their crops.
Cultivating more secure lives
To help protect farmers in Myanmar from drought, our weather-index insurance programme is reaching 5,000 acres of paddy farms. Find out more on what we’re working on in Myanmar.
Protecting resources and livelihoods
In Ethiopia, we helped over 260,000 households work together to protect natural resources and survive the dry season. Read the story of how one family is adapting to extreme weather.
Responding and rebuilding after emergencies
The world’s toughest crises can destroy lives and debilitate the support systems needed for recovery. That’s why we’re on the ground before, during and long after devastating events, ready to help communities meet their most urgent needs and rebuild stronger for the future.
Partnering for recovery
When Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas, we helped build a water treatment plant. See how our work brings over 28,000 litres of water to residents and medical facilities every day.
Taking on an outbreak with outreach
When the Democratic Republic of Congo grappled with the second-worst Ebola outbreak in the world, we reached over 1 million people with lifesaving information. Learn more about the deadly outbreak.
Persistence through crisis and conflict
While working with refugees who have fled Syria, we also provided immediate emergency support for over 630,000 people inside the country. Get the quick facts on the refugee crisis.
Opening opportunities for young people
Today’s young people face a unique set of challenges, from high unemployment to the effects of the climate crisis. Which is why we’re connecting a new generation with resources to their own build businesses, safe spaces to recover from crisis and opportunities to become leaders in their communities.
Reaching new heights
In Palestine, our Gaza Sky Geeks tech incubator helped over 2,000 young people develop skills and connect with international clients. Read how one woman is transforming her life through coding.
Making matches for opportunity
By supporting job-matching platforms, we’ve helped 5,674 participants across the Middle East and Africa find work. See how we’re opening futures for young people in Kenya.
Unlocking education equality
In Nepal, we helped shift attitudes surrounding gender roles, housework and school, and now 6,000 girls can focus on studying. Learn more on how we’re helping young people build opportunities.