Implications for Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN) implementation in forced migration context: A collaborative governance approach

Abstract

Motivation: The Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN) approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration. However, there is little exploration of HDPN from a collaborative governance perspective. Purpose: This study aims to analyse how the HDPN approach is applied in settings of forced migration and evaluate the application of Emerson et al.'s (2012) Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance in these contexts. The focus is on how the four components of collaborative governance are covered in HDPN settings. Approaches and Methods: The study examines 12 empirical HDPN studies in situations of forced migration. It uses the Integrative Framework for Collaborative Governance to evaluate the components of principled engagement, shared motivation, capacity for joint action and impact/adaptation. Findings: The findings indicate that the framework is suitable for and relevant to the HDPN approach. Collaborative governance is shown to be necessary to improve cross-sectoral co-ordination, deal with complex and protracted crises, and achieve collective outcomes. The study also identified knowledge gaps and difficulties in implementing collaborative governance within HDPN. Policy Implications: The study sets the groundwork for future research to develop comprehensive guidelines and best practices to implement the HDPN approach. It highlights the need for collaborative governance to improve the effectiveness of the HDPN approach in addressing the challenges of forced migration. © 2025 ODI Global.