This report underlines the fact that working with local actors at times of crisis provides quicker access, local knowledge and can support stronger community and institutional capacity building. We must redouble our efforts to ensure this good practice is translated more consistently into our way of operating. Local people must be at the heart of any response with strong and active support given to their leadership and agency.
This report is the largest snapshot on surge since 2007 and provides the humanitarian sector with a significant opportunity to understand some of the key issues and how we can improve. With demands rising and resources becoming more stretched we must build on new models, ways of working and the best practice captured in this report. Better preparedness, training, coordination and collaboration at all levels is vital. In particular we must provide much stronger support to the critical role that women play in surge response, better enabling us to reach the most vulnerable populations.