Who Sets the Standard? Rewriting Power in Humanitarian Action - Global standards, local leadership and the future of principled humanitarian action

21 Oct 2026
Workshop Room 2

Humanitarian standards have saved countless lives over the last 30 years, but who sets those standards? Meet the leading humanitarians guiding the revision of the Sphere Handbook, get an update on current progress and direction, and have your say! Since the last edition in 2018, the humanitarian landscape has changed significantly. Feedback from across the sector confirms the need for an update. 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.