We’ve done the research: humanitarian summits, information portals & CAMPAIGNs in 2026

Do you ever feel that there are many key and valuable humanitarian events, information portals and global campaigns - but it is challenging to keep track of them all - and find the most relevant ones for you?

We have researched and asked our networks - and categorised below - information about all of these, taking place in the Horn & East Africa region and online/globally. NGOs, CSOs, activists, UN agencies, government, academics, researchers and the private sector meet to address crises, talk about learning/evidence, coordinate aid, discuss policy and challenges, as well as future direction and priorities.

Professionals are invited apply to attend/participate/exhibit through the registration portals. Depending on the specific event, summit or workshop, professionals may also have the opportunity to present their research, policies, sit on a panel discussion, deliver speech or be a valuable participant. In addition, events and campaigns may present timely opportunities to launch your organisation's own connected campaigns. Events cover different humanitarian sectors, contexts, themes and challenges, as well as focusing on different groups hosting, audiences and having different levels of access. Please check each event for access information including: the cost to attend, if access is free, support for people with disabilities, funding availability/support for attendance, language considerations, levels of engagement available and more.

We have also included, at the end of this post, a selection of information about online humanitarian training courses. For more information, please see the link to each event in each title below. And if we see any more events announced, we will update them into this blog!

One more important thing to mention - if your organisation is planning a webinar, training, event or conference and you think it could be included here – or you just know of something that we have missed – please drop us a line on the contact form on our home page or on LinkedIn and we will be happy to add it!

If you like this post please give us a like below (and on LinkedIn).

Thank you! Links Research & Evaluation

The List:

Humanitarian events located in Nairobi:

AidEx Nairobi 2026: 3 – 4 June 2026

‘‘The AidEx Nairobi conference and exhibition was launched in 2014 as a satellite to our European event, focused on aid and development within Africa. Taking place at the Safari Park Hotel, this high-profile, two-day event will bring together over 500 aid and development professionals from East Africa. This year’s AidEx Nairobi examines how scalable innovative and locally led solutions, evolving multi-stakeholder partnerships approaches with private, philanthropy and public sector, and new financing models can support more resilient, equitable and sustainable responses’’. Registration information here 

Evidence to Impact Symposium: 9 – 11 June 2026

''Join researchers, policymakers, practitioners, youth organisations and funders shaping adolescent-centred policy and program action in Eastern and Southern Africa’’. Opportunities to partner. Registration fees: please see the link above.

Late registration will be open (pending space) until 31 May 2026 at 23:59

 Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26): 21 – 24 June 2026

‘‘The Innovate4Cities Conference (I4C26) is coming to Nairobi, Kenya on 21–24 June 2026. Co-hosted by UN-Habitat and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), I4C26 will bring together city leaders, researchers, innovators, and climate experts to connect science, policy, practice, and innovation for a sustainable urban future’’. Registration information here

The Global NGO Stakeholders Summit: 26 – 26 June 2026

‘‘A premier Pan-African convening bringing together 2,500+ leaders from NGOs, government, development partners, private sector, and innovators across Africa and beyond. The Summit advances policy dialogue, innovation, and locally driven solutions to accelerate the SDGs and Agenda 2063. Our theme, ‘Catalyzing Change,’ reflects our commitment to bridging policy, innovation, and local solutions. Hosted in Kenya—a hub of diplomacy and innovation—this summit is your platform to transform dialogue into concrete action. Together, we will forge partnerships, co-create solutions, and adopt the NGO Summit Action Pact’’. Registration information here

Global Social Work and Social Development Conference: 26 – 29 June 2026

Kenyatta International Convention Centre, with a focus on the theme “Harambee – Social Workers Unite for Sustainable Shared Futures. The conference emphasises unity and collaboration in tackling global issues and promoting social justice. The event aims to connect practitioners, academics, policymakers, and communities for knowledge sharing and network building’’. Registration fees: structured based on Gross National Income (GNI), with student/accompanying person fees at approximately $80 USD and virtual attendance at $70 USD. *Online registration closes on 30 May 2026*

East African Humanitarian Summit (EAHS) – 1 & 2 Oct 2026

‘’Premier conference/expo for aid, development, and procurement located at Trademark Hotel, Gigiri, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross. All EAHS Conferences are hosted and moderated by Senior Officials from the UN, & Aid & Development community offering access to unrivalled content thanks to our keynote speakers and panellists, all specialists in their field, providing the overarching narrative for the Conference. Our Unique Conference Model Combines Informed Content with Personal Interaction’’. Opportunities to exhibit. 

Entry fee as a participant: information provided on registration

Humanitarian events further afield, with online access available:

Fragility Forum 2026 (World Bank Group): 8 – 10 June 2026.

Online attendance available (Washington DC). The Fragility Forum 2026 (FF2026) focuses on the increasing issues of fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) impacting countries of all income levels. In 2024, more than half of those in extreme poverty lived in FCV-affected countries. The long-term decline in extreme poverty is expected to reverse by 2030 due to this rise. The World Bank Group is updating its FCV Strategy to address these challenges more effectively.

2026 Annual Meeting for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action: 9 – 11 June 2026. Held online via Zoom, this meeting will focus on child protection in resource-constrained settings.

Global Land Forum: 14 – 19 June 2026

‘‘A major international event organised by the International Land Coalition (ILC). It brings together a diverse group of stakeholders—civil society organisations (CSOs), grassroots organisations, governments, researchers, civil society, and the private sector—to discuss and advance people-centred land governance’’. The 10 GLF will take place in Columbia.

How to Join the Colombia Forum Online: register through the official Global Land Forum (GLF) 2025 site or the ILC website to receive login credentials for the digital platform. Digital Platform Access: The event uses a dedicated digital platform to host live streams, chats, and networking sessions.

UN 2.0 Week - Innovating for Humanity: 15 – June 2026

‘’An annual, week-long virtual series of events showcasing the United Nations' push to modernize its working methods to better achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focuses on integrating the "Quintet of Change"—Data, Digital, Innovation, Foresight, and Behavioural Science, to foster a more proactive, ‘future-ready’ UN system’’.

UN General Assembly High-Level Week 22–28 September 2026 | New York

COP31 (2026 UN Climate Change Conference): 9 – 20 November 2026

‘‘COP 31 is the 31st session of the UN Climate Change Conference, taking place from November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye. As the annual supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, it brings together global leaders to review climate action, enhance ambition, and focus on post-2025 finance and decarbonisation. The conference aims to strengthen the global response to the climate crisis, focusing on limiting warming to 1.5 degrees, strengthening climate finance, and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels’’. Online attendance available.

Online campaigns asking for your support:

International Day for Biological Diversity (UN) – 22 May 2026

A call to action in the lead up and on the day. The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2026, “Acting locally for global impact,” is a call for us all to take action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Protecting biodiversity includes action close to home with positive ripple effects that can reach far beyond. On 22 May 2026, people around the world will come together to bring biodiversity into focus – in communities, schools, online, and through activities that connect people to nature. At this link are resources to organise activities online and in communities, campaign tool kit and more.

World Refugee Day – 20 June 2026

‘‘World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee. Join us this World Refugee Day and show solidarity with people forced to flee’’.

World Humanitarian Day – 19 August 2026

A call to post and share about this day, in the lead up and on 19 August. An annual commemoration honouring aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and to advocate for the survival, well-being, and dignity of crisis-affected people. In 2026, the day continues to highlight the increasing dangers faced by humanitarians, calling for global action to protect civilians and aid workers ‘‘Every post, tag and conversation build pressure for protection. Share, speak out and demand action using #ActForHumanity’’.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction – 13 October 2026

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 3 December 2026

And if you are looking to participate or attend more online or in-person events in the future or engage in current information - other organisations and platforms to keep an eye on include:

Events:

Global Data Festival (in person event): 2 – 5 June 2026

Nairobi will become a global stage for shared missions in Kenya, as the Government of Kenya hosts two complementary events side by side: the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo & Conference (KSEC). Ticket information here

Women Deliver – ‘‘Women Deliver is a leading global advocacy organization championing gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and the rights of girls and women. It operates as a major convenor, hosting one of the world's largest conferences on gender equality (such as WD2026 in Melbourne) to unite policymakers, activists and young leaders for actionable change’’.

ASAL Humanitarian Network - the ASAL Humanitarian Network maintains an events calendar. Listings include training sessions, advocacy forums, community consultations, and public awareness events hosted or supported by member organisations. Events featured in the calendar highlight the diversity of initiatives taking place across Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, reflecting the collective energy and commitment of locally led humanitarian and development action''.

Global Earth Repair Convergence – ''an annual major international event focused on ecosystem restoration, climate cooling, regenerative practices, indigenous wisdom, reforestation, permaculture, oceanography and agroforestry to accelerate earth repair. Online attendance available''.

World Health Assembly (WHO) - ''the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland''.

UNOCHA 2026 Calendar Events: various UN-led virtual events are scheduled, including World Refugee Day and World Humanitarian Day.

UN Habitat events – online and inperson, for example, World Cleanup Day and the annual World Urban Forum.https://kayaconnect.org/

Our Ocean Kenya Conference - annual high level conference: guided by the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”, OOC11 will highlight the profound connection between the ocean, culture, and livelihoods, particularly across Africa’s coastal and island states.

Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD) Conference & Exhibition  ‘‘for over two decades, the annual DIHAD has served as a dynamic platform bringing together decision-makers, practitioners, experts, and key stakeholders from around the globe to share knowledge, build partnerships, and advance humanitarian and development initiatives that address pressing global challenges’’.

Devex events – ‘‘Devex hosts premium inperson and online events connecting global development leaders to discuss key sector issues. Devex events typically focus on crucial industry trends including: funding & finance, technology & AI, localisation & climate & health’’.

Platforms containing current information and sitreps for humanitarians:

Food Security & Analysis Unit - Somalia (FSAU) - ''UN project managed by the Food FAO. It provides evidence-based analysis of food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Somalia to guide emergency humanitarian responses and long-term development planning''

OCHA Southern & Eastern Africa - ''we alert and inform humanitarian organizations in times of crisis. We collect, analyse and share data to help aid organizations understand and navigate the complex challenges they face when helping people''.

Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 - Humanitarian Action | Humanitarian Action - Southern & Eastern Africa ''this consolidated monitoring dashboard brings together humanitarian needs, targeting, requirements, funding and response progress, with selected indicators disaggregated across administrative levels to support analysis from national to sub-national scale''.

reliefweb - ''the leading digital humanitarian information service provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It aggregates and disseminates critical real-time updates, reports, maps, and infographics from over 4,000 global sources to support humanitarian decision-making and emergency response worldwide''.

OCHA’s Information Management Toolbox - an online space for OCHA’s Information Management staff to access current and curated information tools, services, and systems to support humanitarian response and preparedness coordination. The Toolbox is the authoritative reference for OCHA information management tools and systems.

UNHCR operational data portal - enables UNHCR to provide an information and data sharing platform, to faciliate coordination of refugee emergencies. This is acheived using independent situation reviews of refugee emergencies.

Inter-agency standing committee (IASC) - the highest-level humanitarian coordination forum of the United Nations system, bringing together key UN and non-UN organisations and the humanitarian sectors. ''A humanitarian system that is locally led and globally supported, rooted in communities and driven by greatest need. In March 2025, the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) launched the Humanitarian Reset as our collective effort to deliver for people in crisis today while building a system fit for tomorrow. The Humanitarian Reset is about making our system faster, lighter, more accountable, and more impactful''.

IMPACT Initiatives - ''a leading applied research organization and the largest independent provider of data in crisis-affected contexts. Through our initiatives—REACH, AGORA, and PANDA—we enable humanitarian and other aid actors to make better, evidence-based decisions by delivering timely, relevant, and methodologically rigorous data and analysis. Our extensive presence across crisis-contexts allows us to collect data directly from crisis-affected people wherever needed, including among the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach''.

Humanitarian Practice Network - ''independent global forum and knowledge-sharing platform for aid workers, policy-makers, and researchers in the humanitarian sector. Managed by the Humanitarian Policy Group at the ODI think tank''.

ACLED | Africa region - an independent, impartial conflict monitor, providing real-time data and analysis.

Ongoing webinars & training:

Humanitarian Leadership Academy - ''the HLA Webinar Series is an online initiative designed to connect, inform and inspire humanitarians from around the world. We promote information sharing and knowledge exchange on topical issues facing the sector.

Through these regular, free online sessions, we strive to bring you fresh and engaging insights from a diverse range of speakers ranging from seasoned leaders to newer entrants to the sector''. Also check their platform kaya.connect for free online courses in the humanitarian sector.

Havard Humanitarian Institute - webinars and events. HHI’s aim is to relieve human suffering in war and disaster by conducting interdisciplinary, practice-based research and education that can be used by scholars, policymakers, NGOs, and others to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

AGORA (UNICEF) -  is UNICEF’s global hub for learning and development. It is a free, interactive web platform that provides access to online courses, videos, and career development tools.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – online conferences, webinars, summits, workshops and more.

NOHA is an international association of universities that aims to enhance professionalism in the humanitarian sector. Training courses/events available, e.g: ‘’NOHA Training in Humanitarian Action - Short Online Course, 26 – 28 May 2026. The course is aimed at civil servants, professionals from international and civil society organisations, and others engaged in humanitarian action who seek to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills. The training offers a multidisciplinary perspective on contemporary humanitarian challenges’’.

LinkedIn - a quick search on LinkedIn brings up numerous upcoming trainings and webinars relevent to the sector, often free of charge.

Links Research & Evaluation is a humanitarian MEAL organisation based in Kenya, with a global focus. We are a certified B Corporation and member of the UN Global Compact. Partnering with specialists from around the globe, we take an inclusive, collaborative, technical and tailored approach.

We work in collaboration with communities, partners, humanitarian organisations and agencies, by designing and leading multi-sector evaluations of impact & quality, needs assessments & studies, informing the impact and quality of emergency response and resilience programmes, as well as MEAL strategies, systems and dashboards.

Links Research & Evaluation supports organisations focusing on cash assistance, WASH, food security, livelihoods, protection, education in emergencies, primary health care, nutrition & adaption to climate change. ​A key area of focus is MEAL to support systems change, programme impact and quality. Please see examples of our work and impact here.