The first UN-backed World Humanitarian Summit kicks off in Istanbul with over 60 heads of state and government in attendance. The two-day summit aims to consolidate international action to help those affected by man-made and natural disasters, and reduce global food shortfalls. Conflict prevention is also high on the agenda.

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon called on the summit participants to commit to halving the number of displaced civilians by 2030. Host country Turkey has some 2.7 million refugees from the Syria conflict within its borders. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged the international community to share the responsibility for providing aid.

ISTANBUL, May 23, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Participants pose for a group photo during the world humanitarian summit in Istanbul, Turkey, May 23, 2016. The first world humanitarian summit opened here Monday with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urging governments, aid groups, the private sector and other stakeholders to act to improve the global humanitarian system. (Xinhua/Anadolu Agency)