The rapid increase in the rate of violence and conflicts among peoples, in addition to natural disasters and pandemics, has led to a growing need for a more integrated, effective, and sustainable approach in the work of relief and development workers to achieve sustainable change after crises. As a result, the response approach has been changed, as needs in these times are not sequential and continuous, especially in areas that have experienced long-term crises.

The urgent need for a more integrated approach led to the emergence of the Triple Nexus approach which emphasizes a stronger coordination and cooperation between three sectors: relief, development, and peacebuilding. The goal of this approach is to achieve a sustainable change through linking the immediate relief to long-term development and peacebuilding. The triple Nexus links the sectors in a programmatic level and changes their goals through structural changes including shifts in the planning methods

However, according to the new approach, the actors should include a broader perspective on peacebuilding in the process. Peacebuilding for civil society means analyzing conflicts, reconciliation or cohesion at the community level, while the international community views it as a process of conflict transformation, maintaining security, and achieving stability. Hence, this expanded perspective will give the Nexus approach a greater dimension and give actors a wider field of work.

Some of the Key principles of the approach include considering context and understanding needs, as some contexts do not require the triple Nexus, while others do. Prioritizing the principle of “do no harm” is also crucial. Collaborating with civil society organizations and private sectors to involve affected communities in decision-making processes, developing solutions, and setting priorities for actions that promote local ownership is essential. Therefore, the linkage between relief, development, and peacebuilding is critical to creating an approach centered on people.