Platform on Disaster Displacement

02/07/2026

Milestone 2: Testing Protection Approaches Through Cross-border Simulation Exercices

What does global policy actually look like when it hits the ground? It looks like cooperation, coordination, and preparedness on the border.

When sudden disasters strike, border officials need practical tools to prepare for cross-border displacement and support protection-oriented responses.

To turn frameworks into concrete operational action, the PDD has supported a series of cross-border simulation exercises in different regional and border contexts:

Costa Rica & Panama (August 2017): Testing joint protocols to prepare for cross-border displacement.

Colombia & Ecuador (May 2022): Strengthening binational coordination and humanitarian protection along shared river borders.

Uganda & Kenya (May 2023): Simulating cross-border displacement scenarios to strengthen real-time coordination.

By bringing border authorities and communities together across different rivers, bridges, and terrains, these exercises provide practical tools needed to support more coordinated, dignified and protection-oriented responses when disasters hit.

Read more about how these regions are preparing together:

Costa Rica/Panama: https://disasterdisplacement.org/news-events/costa-rica-and-panama-prepare-for-cross-border-disaster-displacement/

Colombia/Ecuador: https://disasterdisplacement.org/news-events/a-disaster-displacement-simulation-exercise-on-the-border-between-colombia-and-ecuador/

Uganda/Kenya: https://disasterdisplacement.org/news-events/simulation-exercise-on-managing-cross-border-disaster-displacement/



About the Artist: The illustrations featured in our anniversary series are captured by Josh Knowles, a specialized cartoonist and live-drawing artist who has been an essential creative link in the PDD chain of communication for years. Josh specializes in translating socio-political and environmental concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives that transcend language barriers.

See more of his portfolio: joshknowles.co.uk/illustration/

01/07/2026

Milestone 1: Passing the Torch at the World Humanitarian Summit (May 2016)

Where did the PDD story begin?

It started as a relay race for human protection.

The groundwork was laid by the Nansen Initiative, launched in 2012 by Norway and Switzerland. That multi-year, state-led consultative process successfully built global consensus, culminating in the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda (NIPA) which was endorsed by 109 States in 2015.

The next step was to support implementation.

In May 2016, at the World Humanitarian Summit, the torch was officially passed. Under the leadership of Germany and Bangladesh, the PDD was launched to translate the recommendations of the NIPA into practical policy and cooperation.

Read more about this key moment:

https://disasterdisplacement.org/news-events/germany-and-bangladesh-commit-to-address-the-needs-of-people-displaced-across-borders-in-the-context-of-disasters-and-climate-change/



About the Artist: The illustrations featured in our anniversary series are captured by Josh Knowles, a specialized cartoonist and live-drawing artist who has been an essential creative link in the PDD chain of communication for years. Josh specializes in translating socio-political and environmental concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives that transcend language barriers.

See more of his portfolio: joshknowles.co.uk/illustration/

30/06/2026

Marking 10 years of the Platform on Disaster Displacement

Tomorrow, 1 July 2026, marks a decade since the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) formally began its work.

According to Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), every year an average of 30 million people are forced to flee their homes in the context of floods, tropical storms or slow-onset hazards like sea-level rise.With climate change driving an average of 30 million people from their homes every single year , finding multilateral solutions is more critical than ever.

To mark this milestone, we are looking back at our journey. Over the next few days, we will be sharing key moments that contributed to global policy, supported regional action, and strengthened efforts to protect people forced to flee in the context of disasters and climate change.

Stay tuned as we look back at the PDD journey, and ahead to the road to 2030!
Learn more about who we are and what we do: disasterdisplacement.org



About the Artist: The illustrations featured in our anniversary series are captured by Joshua Knowles, a specialized cartoonist and live-drawing artist who has been an essential creative link in the PDD chain of communication for years. Josh specializes in translating socio-political and environmental concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives that transcend language barriers.

See more of his portfolio: https://lnkd.in/e_XHu-MB

14/05/2026

As climate change intensifies, many communities are facing a difficult reality: the need to relocate to safer ground. While planned relocation is a critical adaptation strategy, it remains complex, resource-intensive, and underfunded.

We are pleased to announce that Atle Solberg, Head of Secretariat at the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD), will be speaking at the upcoming event: "Financing Planned Relocation in the Context of Climate Change and Disasters."

Hosted by the Center for Global Development in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB), Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), on Dignified Climate Relocation and Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD), this event will tackle the urgent gaps in relocation financing and explore the vital role of multilateral development banks.

Atle Solberg will specifically be leading the session:
📍 Launch of the New Technical Guidance on Access to Finance by PDD/IOM and UNFCCC

Join us to discuss how we can move from policy to practice in ensuring relocation is safe, dignified, and well-resourced.

📅 Event Details
Host: Center for Global Development (CGD) with ADB, IDMC, PDD, and CDCR.
Date: May 14, 2026
Format: Hybrid (Washington, DC & Online)
Register: https://lnkd.in/e5EemFGH

🤝 Connect with Us in Washington, DC

Meet Atle Solberg: If you are attending the event in person at the CGD or ADB offices, Atle would welcome the opportunity to connect and discuss future collaborations.

Get in Touch: Interested in partnering with PDD or learning more about our work? Please reach out to us at [email protected].

Let’s ensure that when relocation is necessary, it is handled with the dignity and the financial backing it deserves.

Center for Global Development Asian Development Bank (ADB) Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)

08/05/2026

Join us at to discuss migration pathways in a changing climate! 🌍

As the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026 approaches, the Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) is pleased to share key resources and invite you to our featured official side event at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Disasters and the intensifying effects of climate change compel millions to move every year. How can we ensure these pathways are safe, regular, and supportive of human resilience?

📅 Save the Date: Friday, 8 May
🕒 Time: 1:15 – 2:30 PM (EDT)
📍 Location: UN Secretariat Building, Conference Room B
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dCan33xa

This session will assess the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Objectives 2 and 5, showcasing effective practices and presenting the updated CLIMB database—a vital tool for policy and legal instruments addressing human mobility.

Stay updated throughout the week via our central hub: https://lnkd.in/dWv7F2Y3

Co-organized with: Beyond Climate Collaborative (BCC), Migration and Displacement Platform (CMDP), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, IOM - UN Migration, Refugees International, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Let’s bridge the implementation gaps together. See you in New York!

08/05/2026

Did you know? The updated CLIMB Database now tracks over 2,000 policy instruments addressing human mobility in the context of disasters and climate change.

As we review progress at the , this database serves as a vital 'knowledge bank' for policymakers looking for proven legal frameworks.

Explore the database here:

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

22/01/2026

20/01/2026

Are you looking to develop your professional communication and research skills within a multilateral policy environment? 🌍

The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) Secretariat, hosted by UNOPS, is currently accepting applications for a Policy and Communications Intern to join the team in Geneva, Switzerland. 🇨🇭

This role offers practical experience in supporting the PDD’s mission to better protect people at risk of or displaced in the context of disasters and climate change.

Key responsibilities include: 🔹 Assisting with research and documentation of effective practices for managing disaster displacement risks in countries of origin. 🔹 Supporting the development of content for the PDD website and social media channels. 🔹 Contributing to the preparation of reports and briefings for international meetings and side events.

Qualifications:

Candidates should be current students or recent graduates (within 3 years) in Law, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, or a related field, ideally with a specialization in International Human Rights Law and/or the Protection of Displaced Persons.

Fluency in English is required.

📅 Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 ➡️ Apply here: https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/1812