Charting the way forward in a new reality
Following dramatic funding cuts in 2025 which have resulted in a seismic contraction of humanitarian action, the Humanitarian Programme Cycle Steering Group (HPC SG) has called for a major overhaul of the HPC ahead of 2026 to ensure it is fit for purpose in this new reality. Furthermore, HPC SG members have stressed the critical importance of inclusivity in the HPC process (especially with respect to the role of local and national actors) and consistency in application of key concepts.
Within this context, this paper proposes a way forward for HPC 2026, building on consultations with, and contributions from, the HPC SG, as well as discussions underway through the Humanitarian Reset. The primary purpose of this proposal is to chart a path for the HPC during a time of incredible uncertainty. As such, the proposal intends to provide a ‘bridge’ that enables humanitarian partners to carry out a far lighter HPC that still produces critical shared understanding, focus, advocacy and action, whilst acknowledging that many elements may need to be revisited in 2026, for HPC 2027, once the broader humanitarian landscape and funding trends become clearer.
