World Humanitarian Day: Apps And Startups Helping You Pay It Forward

Every year we have World Humanitarian Day on August 19. The UN General Assembly created this day in 2008 as a way to commemorate the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Iraq, where 22 humanitarian workers’ lives were lost. WHD serves to honour aid workers around the world, and promote paying it forward as individuals.

The organisation shared on their platform, “From looting and obstruction to attacks and kidnapping, threats to humanitarian workers’ safety and movement compromise a lifeline to millions of people in need. This results in ordinary people losing access to essentials such as food, water and medical care.”

 

Why Does World Humanitarian Day Matter?

 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shares that this day is made to bring light to the dangers faced by aid workers, as well as civilians they are protecting in times of conflict.

In 2023 alone, 280 humanitarians were killed, most of whom were local staff. So, this day is a reminder of these risks, and it advocates for stronger protections under International Humanitarian Law.

 

What is the Focus for 2024?

 

The 2024 WHD theme is #ActForHumanity. This campaign needs world leaders and parties involved in conflicts to respect IHL for the safety of civilians and aid workers. The UN stresses that violations of these laws must cease, and accountability must be taken acrosss.

The campaign looks at the severe consequences of neglecting IHL, such as the destruction of hospitals and schools, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid. This year’s goal is to rally public support and press for decisive action from global leaders.

 

How Can You Participate?

 

People can participate in WHD by sharing the campaign video on social media to spread the message. The UN General Assembly in New York will present these collective voices in September to demand action. OCHA is also organising a global solidarity stand and releasing the latest data on aid worker security to speak on the need for change.

While its true that WHD is an important day, its also important to do your part on any other day, to make the world a better place. Through raising awareness and demanding accountability, we contribute to a safer world for those who risk everything to help others.

This is exactly why startups and the tech world have also come together to create ways for everyone to give back and become an all-round better human. Being able to give in begins with pouring into one’s own cup- which is why self-improvement contributes greatly to the ripple effect of being able to in turn give back. As a quote by Audrey Hepburn puts it, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

 

Apps And Startups Helping You Pay It Forward

 

These apps and startups are bringing ways for people to play their part in giving back and in using technology for good. This is what each of them are about…

 

1. 10Eighty Coaching Platform

 

 

Our app 10Eighty Coaching Platform is a self-improvement app aimed at helping people in their job search.

There are over 100 resources dedicated to the job search which contains interactive workbooks, articles, guides, podcasts and videos to suit people’s different learning styles. There are over twenty-one diverse headings, including personal branding, having a career plan, interview and CV preparation and using LinkedIn.

People can also use the app to select their coach. The application not only provides coaches and coachees with that convenience but the application acts as a central hub for development. Coachees have the ability to access educational courses, development materials, podcasts, discussion forums, and coaching groups.

The development hub is an invaluable feature designed to help individuals develop personally and professionally, help individuals manage their career, and assist them in your job search, consisting of courses and resources.

On top of the resources, individuals also have access to eight e-learning courses each one finishes with a summary slide covering the main points. The following topics:

• Everlasting Employability
• Time Management
• Communication
• Defining Management
• Managing Teams
• Equality and Diversity
• Staff Induction and Managing the Staff Performance Review

 

2. imabi

 

 

imabi, a safeguarding and wellness app that helps users to navigate life’s challenges — big or small, and across all sorts of circumstances. From bullying in education settings and harassment in the workplace, to needing appropriate mental health support and simply wanting to stay up-to-date with the world around us.

The technology is broken down into five key apps. imabi Inspire is aimed at students of all ages, and has recently been awarded a Global EdTech Award for ‘Best Wellbeing, Safeguarding, and Online Safety’ platform, imabi Pro focuses on keeping people safe in the workplace, imabi Community is aimed at creating safer, kinder societies, imabi Guardian is aimed at tackling violence against women and girls, and imabi Enterprise, through partnering with organisations, looks to target specific scenarios and needs – such as keeping people safe when travelling by rail.

 

3. ARVRA

 

 

ARVRA provides extensive information and content on the key aspects of wellbeing via a user-friendly app. The service is personalised by also providing face-to-face access to over 28 highly qualified wellness experts, such as nutritionists, life coaches, sports therapists and CBT therapists. This is an important aspect of the service as social engagement is an essential aspect of wellbeing.

ARVRA takes a holistic approach to delivering wellbeing solutions. It provides its users with proactive tools, techniques, and tips to have a positive impact, regardless of their circumstances and the challenges they may face. Focusing on the five key dimensions of wellbeing; movement, nutrition, recovery, mindfulness and self-development ARVRA is able to provide a greater impact and a balanced approach to wellbeing. The app helps users to build new daily and weekly habits which enable them to better handle the pressures and stresses of modern life, empowering users to take control of their own wellbeing.

ARVRA’s method is to take the science, simplify it and provide usable information that can make an immediate impact. The app is available to individuals as well as businesses to support its employees’ wellbeing. Inline with ARVRA’s inclusive purpose, it also supports charities, local authorities and veterans and their families.

 

4. MAI Motion App

 

 

Invented by Professor Paul Lee, MAI-Motion, is a revolutionary approach to understanding human movement, bringing together a unique blend of expertise across medical, technological, and scientific disciplines. Bridging the gap in the field of musculoskeletal health, the app integrates advanced 3D mesh technology with 3D volumetric MRI object detection, creating a solution that delivers unprecedented insights into human movement and its underlying anatomical structures.

The tool is designed to provide comprehensive, nuanced and accurate insights into human motion, underlying anatomical structures, and muscle co-ordination. The technology is set to transform the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, aiding in everything from injury prevention to surgical planning and rehabilitation.

Backed by extensive research and development, this technology offers a holistic view of musculoskeletal health and is an industry first, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in motion analysis and MRI.

 

5. Beam

 

 

This UK-based social enterprise uses crowdfunding as a source to helping homeless people get employment and housing. Users on the platform are called “members,” and can raise funds for job training, work tools, and rental deposits. Each member works with their caseworker to create a personal career plan, which is then supported by donations from the public.

Beam also helps members in finding housing, with support such as negotiating with landlords and covering initial rental costs. So far, Beam’s model has supported over 1,300 people in achieving their goals, with many moving out of homelessness and into stable jobs and homes​.
 

 

6. Mindful Chef

 

 

Mindful Chef is UK-based, and their services focus on promoting healthy eating while supporting global efforts to reduce child hunger. Founded in 2015, the company delivers recipe boxes filled with nutritious ingredients that can be used to prepare balanced meals at home. What sets Mindful Chef apart is its strong commitment to social responsibility.

For every meal purchased, the company donates a school meal to a child in need through its partnership with the charity One Feeds Two. To date, Mindful Chef has donated over 19 million meals, primarily to children in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world. These meals also encourage school attendance and education by providing what is often the only meal of the day for these children.

Mindful Chef uses recyclable packaging and they pride themselves in supporting local farmers. Their efforts have earned them several awards, like getting recognition as a B Corp as they balance profit with purpose. Mindful Chef continues to inspire healthier living while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

 

7. ShareTheMeal

 

 

ShareTheMeal is a mobile app developed by the UN World Food Programme that makes it easy for people to donate meals to those in need easily on their smartphones. Since its launch in 2015, the app has provided over 200 million meals to people facing hunger across the globe. The app’s concept is simple: users choose a fundraising goal, such as supporting children in conflict zones or families affected by natural disasters, and donate as little as $0.80 to provide a meal.

ShareTheMeal also gives back to school feeding programmes and long-term nutrition support. The app’s community of over 1.6 million users spans more than 200 countries and offers a way to see the impact of each donation. ShareTheMeal has really become a powerful tool in the fight against global hunger, helping to feed vulnerable populations in areas like Yemen, South Sudan, and Gaza. The app continues to grow, expanding its reach and helping to build a world where no one has to go to bed hungry.

 

8. OLIO

 

 

OLIO is a mobile app designed to reduce waste by connecting people within local communities to share surplus food and other items. Users can give away food that might otherwise go to waste, such as extra groceries or leftovers, as well as non-food items like clothes, books, and household goods.

Users simply take a photo of the item they want to share, list it on the app, and arrange a pick-up with someone nearby who needs it. This process helps reduce waste, saves resources, and strengthens community ties. OLIO also works with businesses, with famous retailers like Tesco and Morrisons, to redistribute surplus food that would otherwise be discarded. The app has millions of users across 49 countries.
 

9. The WalkActive Method

 

 
The WalkActive Method, developed by biomechanics expert Joanna Hall, is easily accessible through its dedicated app. Available on both Apple and Android devices, WalkActive offers a revolutionary approach to walking that goes beyond traditional fitness.

This method is designed to improve posture, enhance physical fitness, and boost overall well-being by teaching you how to walk more efficiently and effectively, catering to all ages and fitness levels. By focusing on biomechanics, WalkActive helps you engage muscles correctly, align your body better, and reduce joint strain, leading to a more powerful and purposeful stride.

The WalkActive app serves as a comprehensive tool for self-improvement, providing guided programmes, personalised feedback, and progress tracking to ensure you maximise every step. With its user-friendly design, the app offers video tutorials, tailored workout plans, and motivational content to support both your physical and mental wellbeing.
Whether you aim to improve fitness, enhance posture, or simply upgrade your daily walking routine, the easy-to-navigate pocket coach provides a convenient and effective path to self-improvement and a healthier lifestyle.