Helping displaced people to “survive and thrive” is one key objective of the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator said on Wednesday.

Stephen O’Brien expects more than 20,000 participants from over 150 countries will attend the summit, which seeks to address massive humanitarian needs and suffering across the globe.

He said the challenge was huge, with 60 million people worldwide forced to flee their homes due to conflict and violence, while natural disasters have affected nearly 220 million people annually over the past two decades.

The World Humanitarian Summit will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 23-24 May.

Mr O’Brien discusses its importance with Elena Vapnitchnaia.

Duration: 9'55"