The UNHCR’s robust partnerships are integral to its operations, as they are vital in addressing the immense scale and complexity of global displacement. An example is its collaboration with Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo. “Since [the start of this partnership] in 2006, the UNHCR has received not only more than 53 million pieces of clothing, but also around US$42 million to support [its] programmes,” Lai says, adding that this alliance also facilitates vocational training and employment opportunities for refugees in Uniqlo stores. “The impact of this partnership is profound, reaching across 63 countries and demonstrating the transformative role the private sector can play in humanitarian assistance.”

Locally, the partnership with Elevandi, a non‑profit organisation initiated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, highlights a different aspect of private sector fundraising. “We’re working on ways to support the empowerment of refugee artisans through skills training and connecting them with international markets, particularly through our Made51 initiative, which fosters economic inclusion and sustainable incomes for the forcibly displaced,” shares Lai.

Partnerships with local governments and various organisations are foundational to the UNHCR’s mission to protect and assist refugees. Orchestrated through initiatives such as Partnership in Action, these collaborations aim to enhance cooperation at regional and national levels.

The UNHCR maintains these relationships through continuous dialogue, transparency and mutual respect. Strategic frameworks with other UN agencies also support the integration of refugees into national systems, fostering inclusion and enabling transformational change. These concerted efforts at various levels reinforce the pressing global challenges addressed by the UNHCR leadership.

At the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva last December, Grandi highlighted a distressing point: “The figure of 114 million (the current number of forcibly displaced people worldwide) starkly outlines a crisis of humanity. These are individuals uprooted by persecution, human rights violations, violence, armed conflict and severe public disorder—representing 114 million shattered dreams, disrupted lives and interrupted hopes.”

Beyond basic survival needs, Lai explains that displaced individuals often contend with limited access to education and employment, severely hindering their ability to build stable futures. “Refugees also often face legal and bureaucratic barriers that prevent them from finding what we call a ‘durable solution’—being able to voluntarily return to their home country in safety and dignity; integrating into the local host community; or resettling in another location or country.”

Common misconceptions skew public perception of refugees as well. “A significant misconception is that forcibly displaced individuals are mostly adults. In fact, some 40 per cent are actually children,” says Lai, adding that “contrary to popular belief, most refugees don’t settle in wealthy nations or live in camps, but are mostly generously hosted in states that neighbour their home country, with 75 per cent hosted by low‑ to middle‑income countries, frequently in urban settings rather than temporary shelters in border areas.”

Correcting these misconceptions is a challenge, yet the UNHCR is steadfast in its efforts through awareness campaigns, accurate data dissemination and community engagement. One effective strategy is its Goodwill Ambassador programme. “This initiative harnesses the influence of high‑profile figures, such as Cate Blanchett and Ben Stiller, and incredible supporters from refugee backgrounds, such as Maya Ghazal, [the first Syrian refugee to become a qualified pilot], to advocate for change,” Lai shares.

At the aforementioned forum, Grandi emphasised the necessity for a unified response to conflicts and long‑standing crises. Echoing this call to action, Lai says: “Solutions to these crises are not simple; they’ll only really come with political will and lasting peace. We must join forces to ensure that those who flee because their life, freedom and security are threatened can find protection; and that everything is done to resolve their exile as soon as possible.”

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