Official Development Assistance (ODA) was introduced in the 1960s as a temporary instrument to respond to a particular moment in history, amid decolonisation, the Cold War, industrialisation and poverty reduction…...
Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Work: A Focus on GEDI, Decolonization, Safeguarding and Technology
The humanitarian sector is at a pivotal moment that change isn’t just necessary—it’s essential. To truly serve communities facing crisis, we need to look closely at how we work and…...
Decolonizing Universalism: Afghanistani Women and Transnational Feminism
The concept of human rights represents one of the few moral visions embraced internationally. However, its scope is not universally agreed upon, as critics point to the exclusion of cultural…...
A debt is owed – the UK should transition from traditional aid to reparations
Despite the UK ruling out reparations from the official agenda, the demand from descendants of enslaved people and nations harmed by colonialism remains loud and clear. The word ‘reparations’ comes…...
A new politics of uncertainty? From risk to uncertainty, from control to care
Today, we are trapped in the risk paradigm, with the dominant, narrow vision of modernity constructed through paradigm of control. And it doesn’t work. The challenge is to break free,…...
Locally led development in practice: decolonising development and shifting power
The international development sector is increasingly recognising the importance of locally led development. This approach aims to transform and rethink traditional aid models, and is focusing on empowering local communities…...
Do humanitarians have a moral duty to use AI to reduce human suffering? Four key tensions to untangle
Considering the rise in humanitarian need and the massive deficit in funding, the idea that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help humanitarian organisations to reach more people with fewer resources is attractive.…...
Navigating complexity: Collaboration as a key to tackling wicked problems
To address wicked problems effectively, a fundamental shift in approach and practice is required. As Lethabo Rampya from Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies reflects, “We know that collaboration gets you…...
Dreaming About the Future to Change the Present: Inclusion Wednesday on World Dream Day
I discovered that World Dream Day was created "to encourage individuals, communities, businesses, schools, and families to take time to focus on their dreams and make an effort to turn…...
Navigating the urgency of collective learning in systems change
Brenna Atnikov explores what it takes to learn collectively and effectively, emphasizing the L in MEL. She dives into the urgency of developing collective learning to address the complex challenges…...