Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives

Humanitarian Leadership Academy

 Humanitarian conversations that inform, connect and inspire action. 

  1. How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach

    1 天前

    How are humanitarians using AI: reflections on our community-centred research approach

    Send us a text How can artificial intelligence research be designed with community engagement at heart? When a simple LinkedIn poll asking humanitarians how often they use AI was scaled into a global survey attracting 2,500+ responses, it revealed something unexpected: practitioners are hungry to discuss AI adoption but lack the community space to air views and experiences.  The team behind the first systematic study of AI use in humanitarian work reveal how they turned organic community engagement into global research. Lucy Hall and Ka Man Parkinson (Humanitarian Leadership Academy), together with Madigan Johnson (Data Friendly Space) discuss and reflect on their campaign approach to rapid, community-driven research - balancing speed with rigour when evidence is urgently needed. What you'll hear: Candid reflections on their research approach and lessons learnedWhy they had to shelve planned video contentHow cross-organisational collaboration can work during major sectoral shiftsWho should tune in: humanitarian researchers, MEAL professionals, communications specialists, technologists, and anyone interested in community-led research with Global South focus. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, transcripts, and links to the report and resources. Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    56 分鐘
  2. Protecting dignity - spotlight on Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation

    9月10日

    Protecting dignity - spotlight on Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation

    Send us a text “Do not look at refugees solely as vulnerable people in need of aid. Recognise them as skilled capable and resilient individuals who have been displaced by the conflict. We believe that refugees should be seen as partners not just as beneficiaries and that’s what Women Refugees for Peace and Development are currently doing.” – Amira Some call it the 'forgotten crisis' but since April 2023, conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian disaster, with many fatalities and millions including children displaced. Mona Elshareif Tazorah, Amira Timan and Rayan Salah from Sudan – now live and work in Uganda and in this podcast episode remind us that even if the world forgets you, you must never forget yourself.  Our three speakers from Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation (WRPDO) have taken the lead on ensuring that people who arrive Entebbe and Wakiso municipality seeking refuge in Uganda in 2025 do not face the same challenges they faced when they too arrived in Uganda to seek refuge. In this episode which shines the spotlight on the work of WRPDO, you will learn from WRPDO's resilient leadership. This includes some of the ways WRPDO is rising to the challenge of providing vital services; helping people from across East Africa settle in to new living conditions and manage the trauma of crisis. You will also hear key insights on the challenges of successfully delivering this work - in addition to a call to the global humanitarian community. The conversation also includes an in-depth reflection on HX Kampala held in June,  which had a strong focus on Sudan. Ahead of HX Port Sudan, this September Mona speaks on the outcome of connecting with Innovation Lab in Kampala, saying: "This conference opened our eyes to availability to such kinds of funds and partnerships. On a personal level, my participation was invaluable - I have now connected with fellow global female leaders." Keywords: Localisation, refugee support, crisis response, humanitarian leadership, ensuring dignity, women led, refugee led, Sudan, Sudan crisis response, humanitarian innovation, capacity strengthening, financial support, sustainable partnerships, education, international humanitarian community, leave no one behind, urban refugees Speakers: Mona ELShareif Tazorah, Gender Advisor WRPDO | Rayan Salah Mohamed, Programme Coordinator, WRPDO | Amira Timan, Executive Director WRPDO View full profiles and more information here: Protecting dignity - spotlight on Women Refugees for Peace and Development Organisation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    46 分鐘
  3. Inviting in the chaos: strategic insights for humanitarian leaders from Ali Al Mokdad

    8月12日

    Inviting in the chaos: strategic insights for humanitarian leaders from Ali Al Mokdad

    Send us a text What happens when someone who anticipated the sector's funding freezes looks ahead to what's coming next? 💭 "Chaos is part of this ecosystem we are operating, and we've been operating on the edge of that chaos... So it's very important when you are rethinking your models right now you have an opportunity. Please don't waste a serious crisis." - Ali Al Mokdad In this second instalment of a wide-ranging conversation with the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson, Ali Al Mokdad shifts from personal reflections to strategic analysis. Drawing from his cross-sector research and global networks, Ali shares what he sees on the horizon - economic turbulence, policy vacuums, and fundamental shifts in how humanitarian work may need to evolve. In this conversation, hear Ali’s take on:  What he sees coming next for the sector and why ‘inviting in the chaos’ and designing for disruption is now essential for humanitarian organisations The AI transformation timeline: what might actually change in your day-to-day work Leadership resilience strategies for navigating prolonged uncertainty without burning outCrucially, Ali offers hope grounded in realism. Building on the authentic leadership reflections from Part 1, this conversation provides both the strategic intelligence and emotional resilience tools that leaders need to navigate whatever comes next. "Passion alone is not enough. We must have a strategy." Ali Al Mokdad  Keywords: Humanitarian leadership, strategic planning/scenario planning, humanitarian AI, economic challenges, UN reform, South-South cooperation, policy vacuum, crisis management, organisational transformation, digital transformation, funding challenges, resilience, reputational risks, cyber security, humanitarian innovation. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and shownotes: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/inviting-in-the-chaos-strategic-insights-for-humanitarian-leaders-from-ali-al-mokdad/  Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    1 小時 12 分鐘
  4. Leading with vision and heart: reflections on humanitarian leadership with Ali Al Mokdad

    7月28日

    Leading with vision and heart: reflections on humanitarian leadership with Ali Al Mokdad

    Send us a text “Being a leader, especially in this sector right now - it's not clear. We are all struggling and trying to find answers to big questions…I think the main important part is to try to sit and think and reflect…it's important to keep your eyes on the North Star, on the long-term goal, but also look at the present - how to deal with what's happening now while remembering the big picture." – Ali Al Mokdad   What happens when traditional leadership models meet the complex realities of humanitarian action? In this first instalment of a two-part podcast, Ali Al Mokdad challenges conventional approaches to humanitarian leadership. In this extraordinary conversation with the HLA’s Ka Man Parkinson, seasoned humanitarian leader Ali Al Mokdad invites you to both learn from his experiences and challenge his thinking. 00.00: Chapter 1: Introduction 02:00: Chapter 2: Ali’s personal journey: a candid exploration of power, identity and leadership mindset 25:17: Chapter 3: Thought leadership in the digital age: Ali on the power of authenticity and vulnerability 48:11: Chapter 4: Leading with humanity through complexity 66:05: Chapter 5: Ka Man’s closing reflections  Unflinchingly open and candid, Ali delivers humanitarian leadership insights from extensive field and headquarters experience across multiple contexts, on a global journey from Syria to Denmark. His digital thought leadership reaches 90,000 people monthly, going beyond polished statements to offer practical guidance for leading in complex environments and making difficult decisions. Discover Ali’s approach to ‘inviting in chaos,’ maintaining values under pressure, and leading with vulnerability in demanding professional contexts. This conversation is essential listening for humanitarian leaders in 2025. In part two coming soon, Ali switches gears to share strategic insights and predictions based on his research and experiences. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and conversation transcript: https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/leading-with-vision-and-heart-reflections-on-humanitarian-leadership-with-ali-al-mokdad/  Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    1 小時 8 分鐘
  5. At the Table or on the Menu? Local Responders on the Frontlines of Humanitarianism

    7月22日

    At the Table or on the Menu? Local Responders on the Frontlines of Humanitarianism

    Send us a text على المائدة ام على القائمة؟ المستجيبون الاوائل في طليعة العمل الانساني البراء البشير و نهال الزاكي في محادثة مع مصعب الهادي و مقدمة قصيرة من نانسي تُسلّط هذه الحلقة، "على المائدة ام على القائمة؟" ، الضوء على العاملين في المجال الإنساني الذين كانوا في الخطوط الأمامية للاستجابة في السودان. "لا تأتي إليّ بنهجك الفوقي. بصفتي مُستجيبًا أوليًا أو متطوعًا ميدانيًا، وبصفتي فردًا بحاجة إلى هذه الخدمة، دعني أُريك ما أريده بالضبط." - نهال الزاكي، منظمة ريما - دنقلا، الولاية الشمالية تُسلّط هذه المُحادثة الضوء على الأصوات المحلية في صميم الحوار الإنساني. يدور النقاش حول كيفية تنظيم المُستجيبين الأوائل لأنفسهم خلال الأزمة، والتحديات التي واجهوها، وطبيعة الدعم الذي تلقّوه، والقضايا النظامية التي لا تزال تُهمّشهم من دوائر صنع القرار. المُحادثة باللغة العربية مع مُقدّمة باللغة الإنجليزية. يتوفر نص المُحادثة والفيديو هنا. This episode "At the Table or On the Menu?" features humanitarians who have been on the frontlines of the response in Sudan.  "Don't come to me with your top-down approach. As a first responder or as a volunteer on the ground, and as an individual who needs this service, let me show you what I want exactly." - Nihal Al-Zaki, Rima Organisation - Dongola, Northern State This conversation is bringing local voices to the center of the humanitarian dialogue. The discussion revolves around how first responders organised themselves during the crisis, the challenges they faced, the nature of support they received, and the systemic issues that continue to sideline them from decision-making spaces. The conversation is in Arabic with an introduction in English.  An English transcription is available in text and video here Speakers Nancy Mureti, Nihal Al-Zaki, Al-Baraa Bashir | Host Musaab Alhadi Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    35 分鐘
  6. Women’s leadership in turbulent times: celebrating solidarity, purpose and ikigai

    7月10日

    Women’s leadership in turbulent times: celebrating solidarity, purpose and ikigai

    Send us a text How can you stay connected to your 'why' as a humanitarian leader during these challenging times? 💬 "Whatever it is that you do, if you're not doing it with a full heart... something needs to change." - Foutoun Khalil Tune in to an inspiring conversation with two remarkable women navigating leadership in today's challenging humanitarian landscape. Ka Man Parkinson speaks to Foutoun Khalil, Head of Awards at Save the Children Lebanon, as she shares her bold career transition from architecture to humanitarian work, and Lydia Sparrow, humanitarian coach and programme lead of the Women in Leadership Network, as she discusses supporting 1,200+ women globally. Discover the Japanese concept of ikigai, and learn how women are creating safe spaces for connection, overcoming isolation in leadership roles, and building networks of support across cultures and contexts. From Lebanon's multiple crises to global aid cuts, this episode explores how women leaders are staying grounded in their purpose while adapting to unprecedented challenges. You'll come away with practical wisdom on finding your cheerleaders, leading with your whole self, and passing support forward to others. This episode is a must-listen for women in leadership, humanitarian professionals, anyone seeking purpose-driven career insights, and those interested in building supportive professional networks. Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and shownotes including the conversation transcript. https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/womens-leadership-in-turbulent-times-celebrating-solidarity-purpose-and-ikigai/ Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.

    54 分鐘

簡介

 Humanitarian conversations that inform, connect and inspire action.