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We are witnessing the greatest humanitarian crisis since the end of the Second World War: 125 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in today’s globalized world. Armed conflicts and natural disasters have put an enormous strain on the global humanitarian system. The first World Humanitarian Summit (23-24 May 2016, Istanbul) has addressed the main challenges: stronger political leadership to prevent and end conflicts; tackling more vigorously the violation of international humanitarian law and enhancing the protection of civilians; providing adequate financial resources and using these resources more effectively; bridging the humanitarian-development divide; strengthening local capacities in the response to crises. The panel discussion reflected on these challenges and on the changes which are required for more effective humanitarian action.