This paper aims to provide action-oriented guidance to operationalize the humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach among public institutions in the Arab region. Protracted and complex crises require long-term and sustainable solutions. Integrating humanitarian, development and peace efforts can reduce service delivery gaps and duplications, while simultaneously addressing the root causes of the crises and facilitating the transition from response to recovery and sustainable development. Despite clear benefits of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, this strategy is not always adopted. A key challenge for public institutions, who are often tasked with the responsibility of addressing crises within their territories, is a lack of support for their efforts.

This paper discusses the opportunities offered and challenges faced when putting the principles of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus into practice in fragile and conflict affected Arab countries. The paper outlines a conceptual framework and a roadmap for building the institutional capacities of governments. In the conclusion, capacity building modules to strengthen institutional capacities are presented.