Principles on Public-Private Cooperation in Humanitarian Payments

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with humanitarian and private sector organizations, has developed a framework of six principles to optimize the delivery of cash-based assistance. The framework emphasizes pre-crisis strategic partnerships, the use of open-loop payment systems to enhance financial inclusion, and strict data privacy standards. It advocates for a 'people-first' approach that prioritizes recipient convenience and the use of digital identification to link emergency aid to long-term financial services. The document also calls for coordinated information sharing and institutional capacity building to bridge the gap between humanitarian needs and available funding through technological innovation.

• The humanitarian sector is shifting toward cash-based assistance, which is viewed as a more effective and beneficiary-centered method than in-kind transfers, allowing those affected by crises to prioritize their own needs.
• To improve response efficiency, humanitarian actors and payment providers should establish strategic partnerships before a crisis occurs, including standardized infrastructure mapping and pre-positioned framework or stand-by agreements to reduce contracting timelines.
• Payment mechanisms should prioritize 'open-loop' systems that connect recipients to personal accounts or wallets, as these leverage local markets and provide a gateway to broader formal financial services and long-term financial inclusion.
• Data collection must be proportional and limited to the specific purpose of the program, with strict requirements for the deletion of personal data once a program ends or a participant withdraws.
• The framework encourages the use of portable and reusable digital identification, such as mobile or card-based IDs, to help humanitarian recipients access financial services beyond the immediate intervention.
• Coordination between private sector providers should focus on interoperability and the use of shared cash-delivery arrangements or existing government-led systems to maximize the reach of disbursement networks.
• There is a need to build institutional capacity within the humanitarian community regarding digital payments and to educate private sector partners on humanitarian principles and the rights of participants.

APA

Blake, M., Propson, D., & Monteverde, C. (n.d.). Principles on Public-Private Cooperation in Humanitarian Payments. World Economic Forum. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/IP/2016/FS/WEF_FI_Principles_Humanitarian_Payments.pdf

Chicago

Blake, Matthew, Drew Propson, and Carlos Monteverde. Principles on Public-Private Cooperation in Humanitarian Payments. World Economic Forum, n.d. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/IP/2016/FS/WEF_FI_Principles_Humanitarian_Payments.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Blake |first1=Matthew |last2=Propson |first2=Drew |last3=Monteverde |first3=Carlos |title=Principles on Public-Private Cooperation in Humanitarian Payments |publisher=World Economic Forum |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/IP/2016/FS/WEF_FI_Principles_Humanitarian_Payments.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{blakendprinciples, author = {Blake, Matthew and Propson, Drew and Monteverde, Carlos}, title = {{Principles on Public-Private Cooperation in Humanitarian Payments}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/IP/2016/FS/WEF_FI_Principles_Humanitarian_Payments.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }