It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Nicholas Haan, a visionary leader and global expert in food security.  

In 2004, Dr. Haan created the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)—a groundbreaking tool that transformed global approaches to food crisis analysis and response. Since then, the IPC has expanded to cover more than 30 countries and has come to be recognized as the global standard for food security and nutrition analysis. This achievement flows from Nick Haan and is his lasting legacy.  

He remained part of the IPC at every step of its evolution. In recent years, he served as Senior Advisor for the IPC Global Support Unit and Co-Chair of the Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Working Group- where he championed the integration of cutting-edge technological tools to enhance the IPC’s human-led processes. 

Nick Haan was also a dedicated member of the IPC Famine Review Committee (FRC) since 2014, advancing solutions for some of humanity’s greatest challenges, and serving on an astonishing 16 famine reviews.  

His expertise spanned food security, technology, innovation, multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance, climate change, energy, education, genetics, and information systems. 

Beyond IPC, Nick Haan’s impact extended globally. Since 2012, he served as faculty at Singularity University, holding leadership roles including Vice President for Impact, Faculty Chair of Global Grand Challenges, and Managing Director for the Global Startup Program. He also chaired the Government of Zanzibar Digital Economy Advisory Council, calling East Africa home for more than 30 years, and speaking fluent Swahili, learned as a Peace Corps volunteer. 

Nick Haan’s academic achievements were equally remarkable: a Ph.D. in Geography, two Master’s degrees in Development Economics and International Development and Geographic Information Science from Clark University, and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Nick was not only a brilliant mind but also a kind and genuine human being. His passion, humility, and dedication inspired all who had the privilege to work alongside him. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—one that will continue to guide efforts to combat food insecurity and harness technology for global good. 

The IPC community is committed to carrying forward his vision and building on the ideas and systems he brought to fruition. We mourn his loss, and redouble our efforts, in his name.  

Over twenty years ago, Dr. Nicholas Haan created the IPC, which began as a solution in Somalia and has since become the global standard for guiding food and nutrition crisis decisions around the globe.
In this 2022 interview, Nick Haan shares the story behind the IPC’s origins.