HSBC’s Disaster Relief Partnership launches

We’re partnering with UNICEF, the British Red Cross and Save the Children to launch HSBC’s Disaster Relief Partnership.

The 18-month partnership – backed by $4.5 million in funding from HSBC – will support these global humanitarian organisations to respond and provide relief rapidly when natural disasters occur.

It will also fund anticipatory action in communities at risk of natural disasters to help them prepare. Among other examples, this includes investing in warning systems and first-responder training.

“In an emergency, speed saves lives, and funding for disaster response has to keep pace,” said Pam Kaur, Group Chief Financial Officer, HSBC.

“As an international bank with deep roots around the world, HSBC cares deeply about getting support to communities as quickly as we can in the aftermath of a crisis.”

The importance of being prepared

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency – and every $1 invested in community-based disaster risk reduction can save an average of over $15 in averted future disaster recovery costs, according to UN analysis¹.

“At a time when natural and humanitarian disasters are becoming more frequent and more intense, helping communities prepare for emergencies, and supporting them when they strike, has never been more crucial,” said Béatrice Butsana-Sita, Chief Executive Officer, British Red Cross.

“By supporting both preparedness and rapid emergency response, the partnership will ultimately help save lives and help build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.”

The power of collaboration

Learnings from the projects supported over the course of the partnership will be captured and shared.

“By bringing together HSBC’s commitment with the expertise of three leading humanitarian organisations, we have an opportunity not only to deliver practical support, but influence how the wider sector invests in preparedness, anticipatory action and faster humanitarian response,” said Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK.

Dr. Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive, UNICEF UK, added: “In an increasingly volatile world, this year alone over 200 million children will urgently need support to survive ongoing global crises.

“Our partnership with HSBC strengthens our ability to act at speed – mobilising our vast global logistics supply chain to reach vulnerable children when every second counts.”

HSBC has been a longstanding provider of funding to UNICEF, the British Red Cross and Save the Children. Examples of recent relief efforts include support provided following the devastating floods in Nepal and Bangladesh, and earthquake in Colombia.