ABOUT THE REVISION

The Sphere Handbook is one of the most widely used sets of humanitarian standards globally. Since the current edition was published in 2018, the humanitarian landscape has changed significantly. Crises have become more protracted and complex, while climate change, pandemics, displacement, urbanisation, digital transformation and evolving conflict dynamics continue to reshape humanitarian action.

Feedback from across the sector confirms the need for revision. To ensure the Handbook remains relevant, practical and accessible, Sphere is undertaking a global revision process that will result in a new edition of the Handbook and an accompanying digital platform in late 2028.

Roadmap & Key Milestones

2026

Jan – Jun

Mobilise & Set-up

Set up governance, teams, roles and ways of working to guide the Handbook revision.

2026

Jul – Dec

Review & Align

Review the current Handbook, identify what needs updating, and agree on priorities for the new edition.

2027

Jan – Jun

Draft & Consult

Develop a draft and gather feedback from a broad range of stakeholders.

2027

Jul – Dec

Validate & Finalise

Review and integrate feedback and prepare the final version.

2028

Jan – Jun

Produce & Digitalise

Design and format the Handbook for digital and print publication.

2028

Jul – Nov

Launch & Disseminate

Finalise the Handbook for global launch and promote its dissemination.

2026

2027

2028

Jan – Jun

Jul – Dec

Jan – Jun

Jul – Dec

Jan – Jun

Jul – Nov

Mobilise & Set-up

Set up governance, teams, roles and ways of working to guide the Handbook revision.

Review & Align

Review the current Handbook, identify what needs updating, and agree on priorities for the new edition.

Draft & Consult

Develop a draft and gather feedback from a broad range of stakeholders.

Validate & Finalise

Review and integrate feedback and prepare the final version.

Produce & Digitalise

Design and format the Handbook for digital and print publication.

Launch & Disseminate

Finalise the Handbook for global launch and promote its dissemination.

What will be revised?

The Humanitarian Charter

Defines the ethical foundations and rights that guide humanitarian action.

Read Charter

The Protection Principles

Outlines essential measures to safeguard people’s safety, dignity, and rights in crises.

Read Principles

Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion

Sets standards for water supply, sanitation, and hygiene to ensure health and well‑being.

Read WASH

Food Security and Nutrition

Provides guidance to meet nutritional needs and strengthen food systems during crises.

Read Nutrition

Shelter and Settlement

Defines standards for safe, dignified living conditions and community recovery.

Read Shelter

Health

Establishes minimum standards for accessible, quality health services in emergencies.

Read Health

Start exploring the Handbook chapters and familiarise yourself with the content.

A global community effort

The revision is being developed by the humanitarian community for the humanitarian community.

The process is highly participatory, consensus-based and evidence-informed, bringing together humanitarian professionals and frontline responders, communities affected by crisis, HSP members, Sphere focal points and trainers, government authorities, academics, researchers, donors, private sector partners and other stakeholders from around the world.

This collaborative approach helps ensure that the revised Handbook reflects diverse perspectives, responds to operational realities, and maintains the technical credibility and legitimacy of Sphere Minimum Standards.

The revision relies on Sphere’s global voluntary network and the in-kind contributions of technical experts across the humanitarian sector.

Shaping the next edition

The Sphere Handbook Revision was launched in March 2026 at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW). To mark this beginning, we invited humanitarian colleagues to share their hopes by completing the sentence: “I want the next Sphere Handbook to…”

The video brings together their voices – frontline perspectives, aspirations, and calls for change – showing how the humanitarian community is shaping the future of the Handbook together.

Stay informed

There will be opportunities to get involved in the revision over the next two years, including consultations and feedback processes, with most opportunities starting in January 2027.

Subscribe to the Sphere newsletter to receive updates about these opportunities and find out how you can get involved. Opportunities will also be announced on this website as they become available.

If you have any other questions, please email revision@spherestandards.org.