From the Frontlines of Humanitarian Innovation: Reflections on the Asia-Pacific Shelter and Settlement Forum

As the CEO and Founder of DS3-Global, I had the privilege of attending the Asia-Pacific Shelter and Settlement Forum (APSSF) in Manila, alongside my colleague Jochem den Boer. This event convened leading agencies in Asia-Pacific humanitarian shelter and disaster response, creating a critical platform for reflection, innovation and actionable pathways forward.

Fate seemed to underscore the urgency of the forum’s discussions: Typhoon No. 14, a sobering reminder of the region’s vulnerability, struck during the event. The devastation caused by this storm forced the cancellation of the planned site visit on Day 3 and left us stranded at Manila Airport for 20 hours. This minor inconvenience, however, serves as a stark reminder of the profound suffering endured by thousands impacted by such relentless disasters annually. Our thoughts and best wishes are with those communities enduring these hardships and our commitment to addressing their needs remains resolute.

The Challenges of an Evolving Crisis

The APSSF underscored the unsettling truth that displacement figures are rising at an unprecedented rate, driven by climate change, conflict and recurring natural disasters. Meanwhile, aid budgets struggle to keep pace, leaving millions in prolonged vulnerability. The call for innovation and bold action is urgent.

This crisis demands solutions that do more than meet immediate needs; they must prepare communities for future challenges. At DS3-Global, our approach is shaped by our actions, we listen, adapt and deliver shelters that evolve with the needs of those they serve.

Lessons We Take with Us

From the forum’s discussions, several key themes resonated deeply with us:

• Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
  Temporary solutions often lead to long-term challenges of waste, recurring costs and environmental degradation. Our DS3 CommUnity Shelters and CommUnity Spaces address this by providing modular, recyclable solutions built to endure the harshest conditions while promoting environmental stewardship.

• Inclusion as a Foundation of Resilience
  Communities are diverse and so are their needs. Our shelters are designed to prioritise inclusivity, offering gender-sensitive layouts, accessible features and cultural adaptability. This fosters dignity and equity, critical components of community resilience.
  Example: We are currently collaborating with Movement on the Ground, a leading agency specialising in medium to long-term camps in Europe and the Middle East. This partnership showcases how tailored, inclusive designs can transform camp environments and improve quality of life for displaced communities.

• Collaboration Is the Key to Impact
  The Building Resilience Through Shelter session particularly emphasised the need for collaboration. By working with governments, NGOs and funders, we amplify our impact.
  Example: In collaboration with a globally recognised aid agency, we are conducting a trial deployment of our shelters in Pakistan as part of their global expansion strategy. This trial highlights the scalability of our solutions and their adaptability to diverse climates and cultural settings.

Our recent expansion in Manila and strengthening presence in Bangladesh are further steps toward this collaborative vision.

Our Commitment to Action

The discussions at the APSSF reinforced our belief that words alone are not enough. Over the past weeks, we have reached out to key presenters and organisations from the forum to turn ideas into actionable partnerships.

Our new office in Manila is a milestone. It is a commitment to being on the ground, co-creating solutions with local communities and scaling impact across the region.

The Path Forward

The forum was a stark reminder of the challenges we face and the opportunities we have to make a difference. Displacement is a global crisis and while no single solution can address every aspect, my team at DS3-Global remains committed to being part of the change. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity and collaboration, we can transform how the world responds to displacement, ensuring no one is left behind.

We invite you to contact us and learn more about how DS3-Global can support your mission. Together, we can extend your reach in a sustainable and impactful way, creating a future where dignity and resilience are the standard for all displaced communities.