When you think about the future of humanitarian aid, what comes to mind? A more localized and agile response framework? Increased reliance on cutting-edge technology? Or perhaps a strategic focus on preventative measures and sustainable solutions?
While the future is always uncertain, it is clear that the humanitarian sector is evolving rapidly, influenced by events and crises like the genocide in Rwanda, the conflict in Bosnia, the war in Afghanistan, the Arab Spring, COVID-19, and the more recent conflict in Gaza. Understanding how these crises shape humanitarian strategies and operations can help organizations to prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead by understanding the data, what went well, what went wrong, and reflecting on the national and global reactions to them.
See also: Fact Chronicles | The economic impact of destruction in war-torn Gaza
In this article, I will highlight what I believe to be the strategic influence of the current situation in Gaza on the humanitarian sector.
Shifting toward localized aid
In Gaza, we have seen national staff taking leadership roles in response, advocacy, and frontline actions, whether responding directly, advocating in the media, holding the international community accountable, or participating in panels discussing the situation. We have also seen international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) building partnerships to support these efforts. The leadership of national staff and local NGOs, along with the localized approach adopted by INGOs despite access constraints, vividly illustrates the efficacy of harnessing local resources and capabilities. This showcases how local NGOs and national staff excel in leading and implementing aid efforts, surpassing direct external interventions and underscoring the critical importance of a localized approach.
Although localized interventions have long been a strategic goal for many international organizations, recent developments in Gaza provide another significant case study demonstrating the importance and effectiveness of these approaches.
Looking ahead, localized aid is set to become the cornerstone of sustainable humanitarian efforts, especially in complex conflict zones like Gaza.
This shift signifies a broader trend where localized aid could become the primary modality for humanitarian intervention. In the future, we could see the nationalization of roles increasing, with local staff and NGOs increasingly taking on leadership responsibilities in response efforts.
Technological integration and digital connectivity
The recent disruptions in internet and communication services in Gaza have highlighted the critical importance of digital connectivity in humanitarian operations. In response, there was a significant call for innovative solutions such as Starlink, urging Elon Musk to deploy satellite-based internet services. When traditional communication channels faltered, humanitarian organizations swiftly realized the pivotal role of technology in ensuring efficient aid delivery and coordination.
This situation underscores the urgent need for reliable digital infrastructures during humanitarian crises and how communication can be one of the main access barriers. Looking ahead, there will be increasing momentum for NGOs to seek investments in robust digital solutions that are capable of withstanding disruptions and improving the efficiency and transparency of humanitarian responses.
Innovative security measures and access solutions for aid workers
While aid workers facing targeting and access constraints in conflict zones is not new, Gaza has seen an increase in incidents alongside heightened media awareness. This spotlight highlights the critical issues for humanitarian organizations operating under high risk. The volatile security environment in Gaza, similar to many other conflict zones, presents significant risks, from armed conflict to bureaucratic hurdles and restricted movement.
Looking ahead, these recurring risks will continue to prompt investments in localized mitigation measures, effective security protocols, and risk management, all through the lens of aid localization. This includes initiatives such as deploying advanced technologies for safer navigation and communication, forming stronger coalitions among NGOs, governments, and international bodies, and advocating for stricter enforcement of international humanitarian law.
There will also be a growing call for new global policies that prioritize the safety of aid workers and ensure unimpeded access to conflict-affected areas. Such policies could involve creating secure corridors, improving diplomatic negotiations, and establishing rapid response teams for crisis situations.
Rising interest in humanitarian careers
Humanitarian funding saw a notable decline in 2023 for the first time since 2010-2011, leading to an unprecedented US$33.6 billion funding gap. This financial strain stands in stark contrast to the growing demand for humanitarian assistance and workers. Despite this, interest in global development, NGOs, and international aid is soaring, driven by heightened global awareness through digital media. This awareness fosters a sense of global responsibility and solidarity, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, who are more globally minded and socially conscious.
The influence of Gaza and similar contexts underscores the critical role of professionalism in humanitarian aid as effective responses require adaptable professionals who are culturally sensitive, trained and committed to upholding humanitarian principles in challenging circumstances. At the same time, many individuals are eager to support and take action, volunteering or shifting careers to join NGOs, CSOs, or voluntary teams.
See also: The role of international organizations and NGOs in the development aid sector
Looking ahead, the sector will continue evolving to address increasingly complex humanitarian crises and attract more professionals. This evolution will not only bring new humanitarians but also transform the sector into a structured career path. We can expect a significant increase in training programs, professional development opportunities, and academic education that is tailored to humanitarian work. Additionally, consultancy services will grow, offering expertise in areas like capacity building, risk management, investigation, and auditing.
Investment in INGO emergency global teams and Middle East regional offices
Gaza’s situation shows us how crucial it is for INGOs to quickly deploy specialized teams to start operations, expand partnerships, and enhance coordination, advocacy, and support to amplify the efforts of local staff. We saw this need clearly last year during the earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, and the crises in Sudan. We also saw it in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and many previous emergencies. These events highlight why we need standby teams that are ready to jump into action, set up operations, build partnerships, assess situations, and respond rapidly.
The humanitarian and political situation in the Middle East shows that INGOs recognize that the region needs ongoing, multifaceted support. This includes humanitarian assistance, development projects, and policy advocacy. To meet these needs, INGOs will increasingly set up and strengthen regional offices, likely in strategic locations like Jordan. These offices will act as operational hubs, making it easier to coordinate efforts, build local partnerships, and respond quickly to crises.
INGOs are also likely to focus more on fundraising and engaging with businesses in regional actors like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as it is obvious that these countries play important roles in humanitarian aid and development efforts in the region.
Tax dynamics in humanitarian aid
An often overlooked but increasingly critical aspect of humanitarian aid is taxation. In Gaza, questions have been raised about where aid funds were directed and how taxes were managed in previous years, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability and highlighting how aid could be distributed, the situation of aid delivery, and the obstacles as well as who is delivering it. Some asked questions about how the tax was intended to be used to silence NGOs while others highlighted that taxes from years ago were an issue.
While donors and regulatory bodies already required detailed insights into how NGOs handled tax obligations and financial disclosures, in late 2023 some donors specifically sought more details on how taxes, due diligence, and vetting were being managed in Gaza. This trend often follows armed conflicts and political scrutiny of aid delivery, but it increased in Gaza due to public questioning of some organizations, particularly the UN and UNRWA, regarding their neutrality and effectiveness. The situation in Gaza may not be directly linked to the increased questions on taxation of NGOs but it highlights similar challenges faced in Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, and other locations.
Looking ahead, the ethical implications of taxation in humanitarian aid are increasingly significant. Transparent financial practices, such as fulfilling tax obligations, signify an NGO’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance. Therefore, there is a mounting focus on improving financial literacy and accountability frameworks within the sector as well as dependency on Enterprise Resource Planning systems as integrated software platforms streamline financial management, taxation, VAT, and other business processes by consolidating data from various departments, teams, and operations. These initiatives are crucial in safeguarding against fund misallocation and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries efficiently.
What next?
In conclusion, the humanitarian sector continues to evolve by learning from both its successes and mistakes in crisis responses. Gaza serves as a key example, showing us the importance of developing new protocols, investing in both global and regional capacities, and focusing on local solutions, approaches and teams. We have also seen that partnering with the private sector can really boost aid delivery.
Looking ahead, our objective as a humanitarian community should extend beyond merely reacting to crises; we must also focus on strengthening resilience and minimizing vulnerability. We must prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical governance to build trust and meet the changing needs of affected communities. This means continually investing in localization and professional development, creating strong country and regional strategies, and adapting our responses to ensure aid is distributed efficiently. It is important to address immediate needs effectively, but it is more important to think strategically and plan for sustainable solutions that ensure long-term resilience and stability.
