CBM EU programmatic partnership: A strategic milestone in advancing disability-inclusive humanitarian action

CBM has achieved a significant milestone by receiving dual humanitarian partnership certifications from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). This recognition not only establishes CBM as a credible and effective partner in delivering humanitarian aid but also highlights a crucial commitment to advancing disability-inclusive responses in the face of escalating global crises.

CBM has been granted the humanitarian partnership certificate by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). Based on this status as an official humanitarian partner for the period 2021-2027, CBM is considered eligible for humanitarian aid funding by DG ECHO.

In addition, DG ECHO has awarded CBM a Potential Programmatic Partnership certificate. This partnership is based on a commitment to ensure an effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid.

CBM’s certification as an official humanitarian partner of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) affirms our proven capacity to deliver timely, efficient, and high-quality humanitarian action programmes.

In addition, the award of the Potential Programmatic Partnership (PPP) certificate signals DG ECHO’s confidence in CBM’s ability to scale impactful, coordinated responses in fragile and crisis-affected settings especially targeting persons with disabilities.

A timely partnership

This recognition comes at a time when several major conflicts and disasters are currently impacting global populations, with the war in Sudan and the escalating conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine being particularly severe. Additionally, natural disasters like floods and droughts are exacerbating humanitarian crises in various regions.

Conflicts and disasters disproportionately impact persons with disabilities, increasing their vulnerability to injury, displacement, and social exclusion.

The DG ECHO recognition places CBM in a stronger position to engage in larger, more strategic multi-country and multi-year humanitarian programmes under the EU’s humanitarian architecture.

It also strengthens CBM’s role as a valued and credible partner within international consortia and coordination mechanisms.

Importantly, this trust from DG ECHO reinforces CBM’s institutional reputation as a reliable and principled actor—not only with the EU but also with other institutional donors who seek partners aligned with rigorous humanitarian standards and inclusive approaches.

What are programmatic partnerships?

Programmatic partnerships are one of the instruments that allow DG ECHO and its partners to respond to the Grand Bargain commitments with a multi-annual vision. While providing emergency assistance to vulnerable populations, Programmatic Partnerships promote at the same time a strategic approach, supporting identified strategic priorities/initiatives of shared interest between DG ECHO and the partner (or consortium of partners).

Working with our extensive network of local and national partners across diverse humanitarian contexts, including those led by persons with disabilities, CBM is uniquely positioned to demonstrate our shared commitment to equitable partnerships that provide sustainable solutions and lasting results.