The world is witnessing the highest level of human suffering since World War II, according to the United Nations. In response to this fact, Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general, convened the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey from May 23 – 24.

Jonathan Duffy, president of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International represented the agency’s global network of humanitarians and highlighted the priorities of the organization in development and emergency work around the world.

Approximately 5,000 participants attended the two-day event, including heads of states as well as global leaders from various sectors, including government, business, aid organizations, civil society, and affected communities.

The summit’s goals included re-inspiring a commitment to humanity and to the universality of humanitarian principles; initiating a set of concrete actions and commitments aimed at enabling countries and communities to better prepare for and respond to crises, be resilient to shocks; and sharing best practices which can help save lives around the world, put affected people at the center of humanitarian action, and alleviate suffering.

The secretary-general called on all those who are committed to preventing and reducing worldwide suffering to act on the following five core responsibilities: prevent and end conflict; respect rules of war; leave no one behind; working differently to end need; and invest in humanity.

Duffy’s statement specifically focused on two of the five core responsibilities outlined in the UN Secretary-General’s Agenda for Humanity; leave no one behind and working differently to end need.

About ADRA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International is the humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. For more information, visit ADRA.org.