Day 3: 01 May 2025

The impact on humanitarian aid and Development of the Pact for the Future (Part1)

Mr. David Harland, Executive Director, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva – Chair, in opening the Special Session raised the question what will be happening to the humanitarian system as we know it and the many people who depend on it. Resources available for UN humanitarian response are retracted more than the needs have increased, affecting the centrality of the United Nations.

He briefly described the organising framework of the Atlantic Charter signed in 1941 for humanitarianism – which ended on 20 January 2025, but which had been the framework for humanitarian work, peace and security. One of the key points of the charter was to establish the United Nations with an alliance of states at its centre. During those years colonialism had come to an end and there was no major war ongoing, while humanitarian needs were mostly met. Its last two steps are the UN Pact for the Future as well as the SDGs adopted in 2015.

The UN Pact for the Future (PFF) – adopted by UN Member States in September 2024 – sets out that new sources need to be flexible and multi-year. With the global transformation, rising risks and suffering, there is yet also a chance for renewal through technical progress and innovation. It also is the time for a new start in multilateralism with Member States’ commitment to the interlinked pillars of sustainable development, peace and security, and respect for human rights.

Ms. Bérangère Böell, UN Coordinator for the UAE, indicated that the PFF was preceded by the Secretary-General’s call for reform and of the IFIs. The PFF is owned by the 193 Member States and its agreements depend on the participation of different actors in a needs-based approach and less so a silo approach. It confirms that the UN is the main coordinating authority for humanitarian initiatives. The situation is grim, but the upcoming Financing of the Future Summit will be a chance to push for reform to happen and ensure that humanitarian and development can work hand in hand, and entail a reset of the humanitarian and development financing system.

Local NGOs are key for performance while other than OECD-DAC countries will need to be called upon, including the private sector in the dialogue. Coordinating assistance in the field is complex as often the government is part of the conflict, the reason why the humanitarian principles need to be enforced.

Dr. Eng. Suaad Alshamsi, First UAE female Aircraft Engineer; Technical Advisor, Women in Aviation Middle East, stressed the need to share with the population the real story on the existing needs. One critical need is the need for education through technology, to carry out the message and educate women in response to their real needs. New technologies should be applied for education and create awareness of their rights and what action they really need. Training of women in Africa and Asia in aviation is still ongoing.

Asked how she feels about replacement of traditional structures by technology driven P2P approaches, she stressed the lack of knowledge and understanding of the needs and probably of trust, which is being addressed by the creation of a network built with applications created on the basis of experience.

It the digital divide growing or is it more of an opportunity to save money and to reach more people by technology and social media to spread education and awareness.

Mr. Marwand Jabarkhyl, CEO, Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative, stressed that the need is clear to improve accountability and to depend on a more diversified financial source with more flexibility and sustainability. Learning more from failure than living on handouts can be helped by commercial initiatives and competition or partnerships to bring about the needed change. UAE has experimented already for some time to give the business sector more involvement in aid provision. Commercial deals may be a potentially positive development, but they must contain clear guardrails. It must be ensured that politicisation of aid is controlled by introduction of new systems and not only be focused on financing with a change of mindset with more reliance on the private sector with sustainability as a key target.

Mr. Isidro Navarro, World Vision Regional Cash & Market Based Programming Advisor, Middle East / Eastern Europe and Latin America, sees the Pact for the Future as still very useful to have a greater impact, despite recent events which may be a wake-up call. The share of humanitarian funding must be increased with a broader donor base and be provided to local channels as must be also access to education with better use of technologies. Only 23% of funding is contributed as cash transfers, mobile, credit, or digitally, an area which deserves more attention, particularly in countries with fragile contexts. Acceleration of localisation may be helping this goal by community empowerment. (Attachment)

From the floor and discussion:

The interaction covered a wide range of concerns, experiences and challenges in providing assistance in the proper manner and reaching local partners and communities.

Is the technology available to bring about the required changes and developments?

Diversification and long-term planning are needed.

Challenges are to address the top to bring about changes and not just at the grass roots level. Unequal access to technology is a challenge in the effort to bring about more needed change at the local level. Examples include the transfer of funding by identifying targets by use of their telephone number and further distribution of small grants which led to identification of more beneficiaries.

Involvement of the private sector is essential to be part of the pool with guidelines and accountability, requiring oversight and management, also for blended financing and social impact.

Sustainability of smaller projects is challenged while there is a look at NGOs as a source of funding rather than private funding in countries like Syria.

Changes traditionally come from the top down which must be changed around, while navigating the cultural and societal understanding.

Access to technology needs to be expanded and more controlled to have a major impact and better value of the education system.

At a critical time with a fast-ticking clock, reform is happening also inside the UN Organisation which is people centred and not supra-national. It is our collective accountability and for civil society to push for their leaders to follow the Pact and keep the passion and faith of charity and giving, to remain united. Other parties than traditional donors also need to stand up and invest in the future for more people.

As an important aspect of the discussion, the question was addressed to Dr Mukesh Kapila whether Humanitarian Principles also can consider the involvement of profit-oriented agents.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: “A Value-Based Vision for Reliable Partnership”

Ms. Michela Matuella, Director, Emergency Response Coordination Centre, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), gave some insight into the European Commission’s view in this era of increasing fragility with violations of International Humanitarian Law. Some 305 million persons globally will be in urgent need of aid and protection due to conflict and climate-crises. The UN’s estimate of USD 50 billion needed in 2025 to respond to emergencies is far beyond the global humanitarian support, of which the EU and its Member States contribute nearly one-third.

Collective steps must be taken to expand the pool of donors by building a broader base with more countries, NGOs, IFIs as well as local actors and the private sector. The EU has extended its humanitarian budget for 2025 to Euro 1.9 billion.

As the humanitarian supply chain is currently overstretched, this pool of donors as well as academia has now been included in the recently launched Humanitarian Leadership Group on Supply Chain. A High-Level Conference will be convened later this year to agree on and start implementation of a consistent set of actions.

The clear message is that concrete needs require concrete actions, and the EU will continue to be a strong, reliable and committed humanitarian partner. (Attachment)

SPECIAL SESSION:

The impact on humanitarian aid and Development of the Pact for the Future

(Part 2 – Conclusion)

Mr. David Harland, Executive Director, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva – Chair,

reiterated that Part 1 had looked at the status of the current humanitarian system, with its operating way under stress and possibly under threat of dying. It is debatable whether the Pact for the Future will bring about the best structure.

Ms. Safa’ Al Jayoussi, Global Climate Lead, Oxfam International, stressed that we are interconnected as people serving in different sectors and working in silos in these fragmented and changing times. The PFF values of localisation, equitability and climate justice and gender equity are the only base on which OXFAM is interested to work with it works with colonial feminist approaches. The USAID drop-off means that many NGOs are collapsing, raising the question what to do next in this time of fragmentation and who will fill the void. We are in a survival mode, but this does mean that we should not set away our values. Climate crises do not wait for the US decisions which the US population is also impacted from climate change. True localisation is not a charity and about a real local partnership which works. Climate action plans are written in the local communities and not at agency headquarters.

On the question whether current developments are alternative ways of doing things as a revolution or as evolution, she stressed that a different system is needed not only with different actors. Military budgets are affecting funding for climate action which needs to be addressed.

Mr. Fyras Mawazini, Director of International Development, SOS Méditerranée, was asked what structures are needed to act with courage. He stressed we live in a world that is provoking climate crises and creating problems without working on solutions. The PFF is at the right time to create the needed revolution, with now over 23 million displaced persons looking for a place to live and to have a future. We must take a step back to find the right solutions. Solidarity should become a human imparity and responsibility of everyone. We must humanise the people for whom we work and ensure humanitarian aid will not be politicised. Humanitarian actors and goods are no longer protected, we are asked to do more with less. Private sector is needed to be humanised as their actions are contributing to destabilisation in the current approach. (Attachment)

Reverting to the intermezzo on the question on the changing humanitarian system, Dr. Kapila was asked what principles should continue to be adhered to. He expressed that imperative of lifesaving in medical principles also applies to humanitarian principles; partnerships are a fig leave hiding incapacity of weaker partners, while well intended partnerships and principles may be outdated and need to be adjusted and implemented more flexibly to relieve suffering for which they are intended.

Ms. Abeer Farah, Programs Officer, Dubai Cares, felt the need to re-evaluate the education system that is supposed to be set in place to grow learning and account for learning rules. It requires global transformation and localisation with impact on local communities, with financially sustainable models. AI integration and use of other new technologies are essential, but this requires AI teaching capacity that is properly trained to use these new systems. As long as children learn goals that are sustainable, this is the direction they will follow, independent of what model is used. It must be financially sustainable models responding to the local needs , and be measured by job retention.

The question was posed how useful distinctions between humanitarian and development are and whether the digital divide can be overcome, it is important to have a further look at these aspects with digital literacy.

Mr. Dominic Allen, Deputy Regional Director, UNFPA Arab States Regional Office, referred to the multiple crossroads brought up during the discussions is the importance of not letting women and girls be deleted from the care systems – not let the light go out on them in the future. History, language and framing really matter.

Stressing we must go back to basics may cause concern that the concerns may get lost in future systems. Localisation seems like repetitive amnesia with its three priorities of education and funding being dismissed, or not listened to or with conditionalities for implementers being met as impediments. Local actors / NGOs must be given voices, illustrating the need-to-know local languages. We must be given hope for different multilateral structures being more balanced and giving space to all come to the table. PFF will mean for Member States to take bold decisions to enable the UN system to transform.

Comments from the floor and discussion:

The value of Principles and partnerships was evaluated as they urgently need to be updated to the changing situations.

For post-conflict solutions to be effective, experiences must also be analysed to allow for easier and not stigmatised actions.

Proposal to introduce the concept of a social stock exchange as a possibility for allocation for specific initiatives with social impact as measurable added value.

Localisation to some extent represents “de-westernalisation” of the assistance. Adapting the system requires a rapid change and working with the people whose future is important. For the Pact to be used valuably it must be implemented in a way of trust, solidarity and cooperation with people being empowered. It needs an appropriation system with trust, solidarity.

Children of DIHAD “Helping Everyone, Even When the World is Divided”

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

“Connecting Humanitarian Hubs and Building a Safety Net”

Mr. Giuseppe Saba, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member Dubai Humanitarian; Founder, United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot Network, indicated that the current financing crisis will impact the humanitarian supply chain and the full humanitarian community.

In 2023 at the time of COP28 the first conference of the 11 countries hosting the World Humanitarian hubs took place, which stressed the importance of speed and digital information sharing. This included creation of Innovative programmes and sharing of logistical resources and constant stock replenishment, and the establishment of common platforms for cost effectiveness, requesting the hubs to work together also for prepositioning and creation of solid safety nets. The ultimate aim is the close networking of all world humanitarian hubs,

The Dubai Humanitarian Pavilion at the DIHAD Exhibition hosted a number of workshops, and the Dubai International Humanitarian City remains committed to expand and serve the global humanitarian community. (Attachments)

“The Role of Research and Technology in Predicting and Responding to Humanitarian Crises”

The statement of Dr. Mohammad Al-Ali, CEO and Founder, TRENDS Research & Advisory, was read out on his behalf. He stated that humanitarian crises are increasing in number, size and impact, requiring research for innovation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be utilised for effective humanitarian crisis response, able to predict future problems and play an increasingly important role in predicting an appropriate and timely response. Robotics sector can help in delivery of aid in hard-to-reach areas, and also assist in decision making and improving supply chain with AI contributing to aid response. It requires a legal framework for the use of AI in humanitarian work and cooperation with the local community. (Attachment)

“Integrating Technology in Charity Work and Emergency Response”

H.E. Mr. Ahmad Al Suwaidi, CEO, Dubai Charity Association, mentioned that technology should be integrated in humanitarian aid and response in this time of digital transformation. It is essential for efficiency and outreach for which the agency has adjusted its logo to reflect a modern and forward-looking spirit. It launched a platform in the Metaverse and was the first in the world to do so. It also accepted crypto currencies for gifts. Modern technologies allow for precise tracking of donations and their use to reach those most in need. They help to manage volunteers, coordinate efforts, and implement Early Warning systems with AI to alert to disaster risks, while also connecting rescue teams and directing aid where it is most needed.

Challenges include the need to ensure they are accessible to all parts of society, and he called for the digital age to be made a golden era for charitable work and humanitarian response as a testament of the greatness of our humanity to stand together. (Attachment)

“Bridging Western and Eastern Humanitarian Aid Systems Amid Global Polarisation”

Dr. Durmus Aydin, Secretary General of IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, Turkey, stressed that growing polarisation has a detrimental impact on the rising humanitarian needs. It is now a crisis of how to respond to crises. Bridging the western and eastern humanitarian models through mutual recognition and shared standards is not just optional but imperative for the global humanitarian response system to be a shared reality, robust, effective and legitimate.

The western aid model is deeply rooted in principles of liberal internationalism and human rights framework, emphasising the humanitarian principles and structured funding mechanisms. The eastern model is often state-led and guided by principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

While each model may have its strengths, they also show gaps, particularly in the application of humanitarian principles and funding for less visible crises with increasing politicisation of aid. Building a cohesive hybrid theoretical global humanitarian system requires five pillars of mutual recognition and respect for differences, local empowerment, new multilateral platforms, shared training and standards, and conflict-sensitive collaboration.

Examples include the hybrid approach of the Black Sea Grain initiative, and the Eastern single approach of Kuwait’s humanitarian initiatives in Gaza and Sudan.

In conclusion, humanitarianism must be the bridge aimed at alleviating human suffering.

“Polarisation and Food Security”

Mr. Mohsen Sarhan, CEO, Egyptian Food Bank, started his presentation by pointing at the existing divides in acute vs chronic hunger of 733 million persons. He pointed at the problem that 22 trillion calories are produced daily, entailing 2,720 calories a person a day, but taking out food loss of 13% we reach 2,100 calories pppd.

As enough food is produced the question is why so many persons are hungry with extreme poverty living side by side with extremely rich ones. About 1% of the population own about half of the world’s wealth whereas the other half is to be shared by 99% of the world population.

Age of wealth and age of division and of capability to produce. Innovation itself is polarised where farmers in poor countries do not have access to those innovations, meaning that food security remains a dream for many. Real and legitimate means are existing, while farmers are forced in very logical choices which are very unfair to local populations. More than 2.5 billion people – about 40% of the population – are not yet up for connections.

The number of victims increases while empathy decreases, and the divide continues.

To see the full picture, one needs to look at evidence that is right. Funding cuts will deter many bright minds out of the sector. Now at least 150 global projects, it is preferable to become less ambitious and address one place at the time and combine forces to a single aspect that can actually be achieved. One cause, one place and one time approach may be working. (Attachment)

CLOSING ADDRESS

H.E. Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organisations, UAE; Vice Chairman, UAE Aid Agency; Member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropy Council, had just returned from an OIC Meeting, and had witnessed polarised world issues. He expressed challenges to achieve SDGs due to changed emergencies with funding as a critical challenge, needing a reform of the humanitarian system and time to reassess the work. Despite valuable efforts, not much change has occurred, meaning that the private sector needs to be more engaged. More focus is needed as well on humanitarian leadership and negotiations to ensure that cross-border assistance will be more effective and that access to vulnerable communities will be improved.

UAE aims to move the funding picture with a shift and possibly to give 60% for development and 40% to humanitarian programmes. Some rethinking is needed and the link between humanitarian and development to be adjusted to ensure capacity building while multiple crises occur simultaneously with duplication of efforts. In pursuit of the Agenda 2030 we need to be more focused and also look at crossline sectors such as women and children as well as climate change.  It will be a big task for DIHAD to achieve in 2029 and to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

H.E. Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, Chief Executive Officer, DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, thanked the DIHAD team and leadership, the speakers and all concerned for the excellent organisation and the intensive interactions.

In conclusion he invited all to come again to DIHAD 2026 which will take place from 5 to 7 May 2026.