Australia and the Philippines: Working together for humanity

This year, an estimated 239 million people globally will require humanitarian assistance and protection. Behind these staggering numbers are communities facing immense, often protracted, periods of hardship and humanitarian workers operating in increasingly dangerous environments.

With more than 1,000 humanitarian workers having lost their lives in the line of duty over the past three years, now is the most dangerous time to be a humanitarian worker. In response, Australia led the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the September 2025 UN General Assembly. Endorsed by more than 120 nations, this declaration establishes critical measures to safeguard humanitarian personnel and ensure the delivery of lifesaving aid to vulnerable populations.

The drivers of humanitarian need are also becoming more complex. We are acutely aware that the impacts of climate change, global shocks and conflict intersect with and exacerbate the impacts of disaster events on already at-risk communities and families.

Each year on Aug. 19, the world recognizes World Humanitarian Day to honor the courage and dedication of humanitarian workers and volunteers who support communities in times of crises. It is also a time to stand in solidarity with the millions of people around the world affected by conflict, disasters and other emergencies. Today, the need for humanitarian action is greater than ever.

As one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the Philippines understands this reality well. In my first year in the Philippines, I have witnessed multiple disaster events that have taken and threatened lives, damaged homes and disrupted livelihoods. I have also seen the dedication and courage of humanitarian workers and organizations delivering lifesaving assistance, despite the challenging conditions and often while they too have been impacted by the very disasters they are responding to.

This year’s World Humanitarian Day theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” speaks directly to this. Effective humanitarian action recognizes that local communities, organizations and governments are the first to respond to disaster events and are best placed to understand local needs. Empowering local actors and strengthening preparedness are essential to building resilience and reducing the impacts of future crises.

As we mark 80 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines, our Strategic Partnership underscores a shared commitment to strengthening resilience. Australia works closely with the Philippine government, local communities and humanitarian partners to support preparedness, assist in emergency response efforts where it is needed and build long-term resilience to future shocks.

I am proud that since 2006, Australia has provided approximately P5 billion (A$130 million) in humanitarian assistance, supporting more than 10 million Filipinos affected by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance has included emergency food and essential supplies, cash assistance, shelter and health services.

I am also proud that Australia has been a pioneer in establishing in-country pre-positioning arrangements. This has enabled our partners to provide critical, life-saving assistance, quickly, to those most in need when emergencies occur.

Importantly, this approach is aligned with the Philippine government’s vision for disaster resilience. In this year’s State of the Nation Address, President Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of moving from reactive responses to a more proactive and predictable approach to disaster management.

Australia’s current P1.15-billion (A$30 million) commitment to humanitarian action over eight years (2022-2030) supports this focus on early action and preparedness. Our humanitarian partners work with national and local institutions and are set up to provide life-saving assistance to communities including for emergency shelter, water and hygiene support, health care, protection services and psychosocial services. This approach reflects the strength of our partnerships with national and local governments.

As we mark World Humanitarian Day, we honor the individuals at the heart of humanitarian action: responders, volunteers, health workers, local officials, community leaders and humanitarian personnel who dedicate themselves to helping others, often at great personal risk. We also extend our deep appreciation to our humanitarian partners, whose tireless work and commitment ensure that support reaches families and communities when it matters most.

*   *   *

Marc Innes-Brown is the Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines.