Hundreds of millions of people are affected by recurrent and protracted crises every year. These crises cause immense human suffering and also undermine sustainable development. For example, the World Bank estimates nearly $35 billion in regional losses from the conflict in Syria.

This paper reflects on responses to recurrent and protracted crises and calls for a more collective approach. It offers a series of suggestions to improve coherence between humanitarian and development actors, including: joint planning, more responsive programming, flexible financing arrangements and more.

The paper also explores how to overcome the stubborn structural divides and create the right financial, organisation and career incentives to promote more joined up ways of working.

Samuel Carpenter and Christina Bennett