VOICE Event: Navigating Geopolitical Change: Challenges and Opportunities for Humanitarian Action

Humanitarian action is at a crossroads, due to rising populism in Europe, reduced funding, and the increasing risk of politicisation of humanitarian responses. As the global order shifts, humanitarian actors are navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. From funding volatility and access restrictions to the rise of non-traditional donors and the politicisation of humanitarian action, the sector faces both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities.

This event will bring together experts, researchers,  and humanitarian actors to explore how the sector can adapt to a multipolar world. What does a multipolar world mean for the humanitarian principles and the effectiveness of humanitarian work? Can localisation provide a pathway for the future? Which other solutions are at hand?

The event will open with the Brussels launch of the 2025 Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) Report, offering new, independent data on global humanitarian financing at a moment when budgets are shrinking and reform pressures are intensifying. The findings will serve as a foundation for a rich panel discussion on how the sector can adapt and remain principled in a multipolar world.

Event Programme

• Brussels Launch of the 2025 Global Humanitarian Assistance Report

Mike Pearson – Research Fellow, ODI Global & Global Humanitarian Assistance Lead, ALNAP

• Panel Discussion

Shada Islam – Geopolitical Analyst & Commentator
Shada will explore how the global balance of power is shifting—from BRICS to new regional alliances—and what this evolving geopolitical map means for humanitarian action worldwide.

Olivier Routeau – Senior Humanitarian Leader, Première Urgence Internationale
Drawing from field realities in crisis zones, Olivier will speak to how these geopolitical shifts impact access, security, and operations on the ground. He will address the challenge of maintaining principled humanitarian action amid donor conditionality, shrinking humanitarian space, and competing geopolitical interests.

Themrise Khan – Independent Researcher, Writer & Development Professional
Themrise will bring a critical Global South perspective, challenging mainstream localisation models and calling for structural shifts in humanitarian action. 

Mike Pearson will then rejoin the panel to discuss what the GHA data tells us about the rise of non-traditional donors, financing trends from emerging economies, and how these developments are reshaping humanitarian funding and governance.

Closing Remarks: Pauline Chetcuti, VOICE President 

Moderator: Maria Groenewald, VOICE Director 

Join us for a timely discussion on how humanitarian action can remain principled and impactful amid shifting global dynamics. 

Please click here to register.  Registration deadline 20 June 2025