LocationsAdvancing Human Security in Poly-Risk Contexts
February 3, 2026
UNDP, with support from the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), convened a Regional Knowledge-Sharing Workshop on Mainstreaming Human Security and Resilience Building on 22–23 January 2026. The workshop brought together policymakers, practitioners, experts, and UN agencies from seven Asia-Pacific countries to advance the application of Human Security (HS) in addressing complex, overlapping risks.
Discussions reaffirmed human security as a people-centered, risk-informed, and action-oriented approach that bridges policy, planning, and implementation in poly-risk contexts.
Mr. Gerd Trogemann, Manager of UNDP’s Global Policy Network and Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP, emphasized that human security moves beyond concept to practice by providing concrete tools to identify risks and vulnerabilities. “The exchange will strengthen knowledge sharing, facilitate country learning, and advance the integration of human security and human rights into policy and planning,” he noted.
Ms. Kana Kudo, UNTFHS, highlighted that “amid weak governance and persistent threats to freedom from fear, want, and dignity, the human security approach is more relevant than ever.” She underscored its adaptability across diverse contexts, positioning human security as a universal framework, and reaffirmed UNTFHS’s commitment to sustained, cross-sectoral collaboration for inclusive and resilient development.
Human Security: Concepts, Methodology and its Enabling Conditions
Prof. Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh, International Expert, highlighted that human security differs from traditional state-centric approaches by focusing on individuals and communities, recognizing intersectional vulnerabilities, and responding to compounding risks such as conflict, poverty, climate change, and health crises. Emphasizing that “security is in the eye of the beholder,” she stressed the need for integrated, holistic, and context-sensitive responses.
Prof. Tadjbakhsh presented the Human Security Poly Risk (HSPR) Methodology as comprehensive yet modular, enabling flexible application based on context and needs. Successful implementation, she noted, depends on four enabling conditions: Commitment, Capacity, Consultation, and Coordination. The methodology’s added value lies in institutionalizing poly-risk thinking across governance levels while bridging top-down frameworks with bottom-up realities.
Country Experiences and Regional Exchange
Countries shared their human security contexts and experiences, highlighting diverse risk landscapes across the region. Nepal and Bangladesh, as pilot countries, presented their experiences in addressing poly-risk contexts, while Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines shared reflections on past and ongoing challenges.
Participants emphasized the importance of political commitment, while ensuring that human security strengthens existing systems rather than creating additional institutional burdens. Discussions confirmed strong demand for the approach and highlighted that existing tools and processes can be adapted and enhanced, with human security principles mainstreamed into current planning and review processes.
Way Forward
Participants discussed implementation modalities, entry points, and the support required to mainstream human security at the national level.
Nepal outlined a clear pathway forward, emphasizing alignment with existing policies through inclusive, bottom-up approaches; the use of existing platforms such as the BIPAD Portal; and strengthened awareness and ownership among policymakers and practitioners. Key priorities include developing practical guidelines and training packages; designing tiered checklists with indicators; integrating sectoral strategies into a unified human security framework within planning and budgeting systems; piloting the approach in diverse contexts; and scaling up based on evidence.
The pathway also highlighted the importance of people-centered risk information, early warning systems, sustained technical and financial support, and leveraging Disaster Risk Management (DRM) as a key entry point under strong government leadership.
Recommendations for the Region
Participants emphasized the need to strengthen data coordination through national platforms linked at regional or central levels, while fostering a shared regional understanding of human security that respects national contexts. Implementation should remain country-led, with regional mechanisms focused on advocacy, guidance, knowledge exchange, and synthesis of country practices.
They highlighted the value of leveraging existing regional and sub-regional platforms, prioritizing highly vulnerable countries, embedding human security elements into existing policies and assessments, and strengthening consultation and local engagement. Evidence-based advocacy, along with the development of a regional dashboard or knowledge platform, was identified as a key enabler for learning, coordination, and impact.
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