Dear Readers,

With 115 participants onsite and over 100 online, the CHA Conference in early June was a resounding success. Video recordings have already been viewed by more than 400 people. (For those who couldn’t make it, the recordings are available here.) These impressive numbers underscore the significance and interest in this year’s theme: “Climate & humanitarian crises and the lack of a joint response”.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the conference, whether online or in person. The event aimed to foster dialogue and explore joint solutions to the climate crisis rather than simply present to an audience. Your presence and active engagement were key to achieving this goal.

With the conference now concluded, what comes next? Not to worry, as there are many interesting and exciting CHA events on the horizon! On 3 July, we are hosting our next Out of the box webinar. Ralf Südhoff will be joined by Claus Sørensen (former Director General of DG ECHO) and Cecilia Roselli (Head of NRC Geneva) to discuss, among other topics, the implications of the new balance of power in the EU Parliament for European humanitarian policy.

We also continue to focus on the international debate on prioritisation amidst increasingly underfunded humanitarian action. In our podcast, Hugo Slim answers critical questions about his controversial theories on the subject.

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Our recommendations in June:

Conflict Trends: A Global Overview, 1946–2023

This PRIO Paper examines global conflict trends from 1946 to 2023 using data from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), offering insights highly relevant to the humanitarian world. The analysis highlights that 2023 marked a peak in state-based conflicts, with 59 in 34 countries since 1946. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza were the primary contributors to the more than 122,000 battle-related deaths in 2023, while non-state conflicts decreased compared to previous years. The PRIO analysis underscores the increasing strain on humanitarian efforts, with 80% of aid now needed in conflict zones, exacerbating challenges amidst projected escalating humanitarian impacts of climate change.  

Sudan food emergency: local researcher unpacks scale of the disaster and what action is needed

A local perspective on the currently unfolding food emergency in Sudan, providing a concise yet informative summary of the current situation in language that is accessible to non-specialists. The author concludes with a five-point list outlining his view of what local and international responses in Sudan should look like.

The Humanitarian Parent: Balancing Work and Family in the Aid Sector

In her new book, Merit Hietanen, a specialist for i.a. gender in humanitarian action and advisor to the Finnish Foreign Ministry, explores the dilemmas of parenthood in the humanitarian and development sectors. She highlights the struggles that operational personnel, particularly women, encounter in balancing their personal lives with the demands of their high-pressure jobs. The book challenges the historically established narrative of 'humanitarian cowboys'—white lone males who zig-zag from one crisis to another and embrace danger—by offering fresh feminist perspectives instead.

Global Insights: The Humanitarian Research and Innovation Landscape

The detailed report examines various themes within the humanitarian research and innovation system, aiming to enhance understanding of the research and innovation ecosystem and funding flows.  

Mapping Humanitarian Tech: exposing protection gaps in digital transformation programmes

Taking a people-centred lens to highlight the importance of doing no digital harm, the report provides a comprehensive overview of recent technological developments and explores the complex roles of tech companies and other private sector stakeholders in humanitarian action.

Humanitarian Extractivism. The Digital Transformation of Aid.

Sandvik’s book serves as an ‘invitation to dialogue’ on the digital transformation of the humanitarian sector and migration field. It covers their current state, historical context, and advancements. She outlines innovative and extractive processes in technology use within humanitarian operations, examining various scenarios, partnership models and past examples.

Exploring the Role of Narratives in China-Africa Relations

The report by Soulé et al. explores, through a series of briefs, the construction, dissemination, and impacts of narratives on China-Africa relations. Among others, the authors examine Western counter-narration of China-Africa relations in the development space, and China's use of the Belt and Road Initiative to attract developing countries. Additionally, the report considers the rise of the Indo-Pacific narrative as a tool for political actors to construct a shared understanding of international politics and influence the behaviour of (inter-)national actors.

Towards Humanitarian Action that Intentionally Promotes Peace in South Sudan

In their publication, Simone Bunse et al. analyse the potential of the South Sudan Red Cross in Upper Nile state to enhance social cohesion through its Humanitarian Response Project. They propose four theories of change: (1) improving livelihoods and education, (2) fostering ethnic and community connections through conflict-sensitive volunteerism, (3) transitioning volunteers into leadership roles, and (4) integrating with broader peacebuilding efforts.

The African Union vs “the end of development”

Teniola T. Tayo argues that global economic shifts, climate change, and technological disparities pose significant threats to widening the income gap between developing and developed states, potentially hindering some countries from ever “catching up.” He also addresses the reduction in development aid and the implications of Chinese infrastructure loans. Tayo calls on the African Union to confront these challenges as integral to realizing Agenda 2063. He advocates for Africa to pursue self-driven development, promoting strategic autonomy, intra-African cooperation, and challenging “the end of development” narrative.

Have you heard of the Takeaways yet?

Humanitarian Takeaways provide a collection and summary of selected materials on a specific humanitarian topic at regular intervals.