WORLD DISASTER REPORT 2026

Truth, Trust and Humanitarian Action in the Age of Harmful Information

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, with 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and nearly 17 million volunteers. Our volunteers are present in communities before, during and after a crisis or disaster. We work in the most hard‑to‑reach and complex settings in the world, saving lives and promoting human dignity. We support communities to become stronger and more resilient places where people can live safe and healthy lives, and have opportunities to thrive.

The World Disasters Report 2026 features nearly 100 written contributions from more than 60 practitioners and researchers across the humanitarian sector, as well as from governments, academia, civil society and beyond. 

The IFRC Solferino Academy led a two-month rapid community intelligence study with 40 volunteers and staff from 10 National Societies. Acting as community researchers, they interviewed 132 volunteers and community members affected by humanitarian crises. Findings were synthesized by volunteer academics from the University of Michigan, Northumbria University and Open Lab (Newcastle University), ensuring that local nuance was preserved. Selected quotes appear throughout the report.

IFRC Reports Homepage: https://wdr26.org/en