Shows
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesLeading with vision and heart: reflections on humanitarian leadership with Ali Al MokdadSend 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 f...2025-07-281h 07
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesAt the Table or on the Menu? Local Responders on the Frontlines of HumanitarianismSend us a textعلى المائدة ام على القائمة؟ المستجيبون الاوائل في طليعة العمل الانسانيالبراء 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 الشماليةتُسلّط 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 StateThis 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 hereSpeakersNancy Mureti, Nihal Al-Zaki, Al-Baraa Bashir | Host Musaab AlhadiThanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a2025-07-2234 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesWomen’s leadership in turbulent times: celebrating solidarity, purpose and ikigaiSend us a textHow 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 KhalilTune 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 fro...2025-07-1053 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesHighlights from Humanitarian Xchange KampalaSend us a textA mini episode of Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives from Humanitarian Xchange Kampala. Communications and Marketing Specialist Nwabundo Okoh speaks with Joyce Nyaboga, Senior Network Development Advisor - Start Network; Dr. Atif Shdad, Emergency Response Rooms - Sudan; Huseyin Arslan, Consultant - Save the Children International and Nancy Mureti, Head of Regional Centers - Humanitarian Leadership Academy. In this episode, hear reflections on some topics shared at the energizing conference - capacity sharing, the humanitarian nexus, youth leadership and reflections on HX from L...2025-06-3008 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesCoalition building for impact people, tech & humanitarian futures in Afghanistan and beyondSend us a textHow can technology support dignified, community-led humanitarian action?Continuing a thematic exploration of humanitarian tech, Ka Man Parkinson speaks with Layma Murtaza and Safi Noorzai from Aseel – a social enterprise reimagining how aid can work through digital innovation, local leadership and global connection.This is a conversation about systems change from the ground up: the power of coalitions, the urgency of new funding models, and why centring people – not just products or platforms – is essential to meaningful impact.💬...2025-06-2652 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesShaping humanitarian AI: why every voice countsSend us a textKa Man Parkinson is joined by Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space to discuss a landmark joint survey on AI adoption in the humanitarian sector.Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is currently being used, what future potential it holds, and why this research is so vital. No matter where you are in the humanitarian eco-system - whether you're an early adopter or new to AI - your voice is essential in shaping how it supports humanitarian...2025-05-2846 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesFrom academia to action: how research can shape humanitarian educationSend us a textHow can academic research shape humanitarian action?This is the question at the heart of today's insightful discussion between two Education in Emergencies (EiE) colleagues from Save the Children International. Casey Pearson (EiE Technical Learning Specialist) sits down with Rafka Daoud (EiE Professional Development Programme Manager) to explore the critical connections between education, training and research, drawing on insights from Rafka’s recent doctoral research in Lebanon. Rafka shares her journey of researching higher education reform in Lebanese private universities, offering a un...2025-05-1528 min
Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives‘Double literacy’: harnessing AI for humanitarians and social changeSend us a textIn this thought-provoking episode, Ka Man Parkinson speaks to Dr Cornelia C. Walther to hear her expert take on the implications of AI for humanitarians - and the actions we can take today to keep abreast of developments.Cornelia's experience positions her as an insightful and authoritative thought leader in this space: a former humanitarian leader with over 20 years of experience at UNICEF, she is now a Wharton/University of Pennsylvania fellow pioneering research on hybrid intelligence and prosocial AI.In this discussion, Cornelia introduces us to...2025-04-2338 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesShaping impact-driven careers: stories of purpose, resilience and growthSend us a textHow can you shape a meaningful and purpose-driven career in the humanitarian sector and beyond? Tune in to this episode to glean insights from Ana Lucia Villagran, a Learning Solutions Specialist at HLA’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Centre from Guatemala, and Selim Uysal, an independent humanitarian consultant and trainer from Türkiye, now based in Germany. Ana Lucia and Selim share their personal journeys of discovering purpose in their careers that have spanned the commercial world and academia, before transitions into the d...2025-03-2554 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesPoetry and purpose: in conversation with Poetic UnitySend us a textTo celebrate World Poetry Day 2025, we explore the power of creative expression for forging connections and inspiring action within our communities and beyond.The HLA's Ka Man Parkinson connects with two inspiring members of Poetic Unity, Tariq Brown and Blaize Alexis-Anglin, who performed powerful pieces at the inaugural Humanitarian Xchange event in London in February 2024. One year later, we welcome them back to share new works and to hear their advice for how we can all cultivate our own s...2025-03-2044 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesCoaching for humanitarians: Natasha’s journey of discovery and transformationSend us a text"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek."When Natasha Nishimwe (Save the Children International) stepped into a new role in a global team, she felt like an imposter. But by taking action through coaching, she unlocked her confidence, overcame self-doubt and stepped into new professional opportunities. Guided by Charlotte Balfour-Poole, Head of Coaching at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, Natasha’s story is a powerful example of how coaching can help humanitarians to break barriers, challenge self-doubt, and take action tow...2025-03-0735 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesCoaching for humanitarians: tools and techniques to foster resilience and growthSend us a textIn this two-part podcast, join coaching expert Charlotte Balfour-Poole to explore the transformative power of coaching in the humanitarian sector. In the first episode, together with host Ka Man Parkinson, discover key coaching tools for managing wellbeing, building resilience, and unlocking personal and professional growth. Gain insights into the process through a flash coaching session led by Charlotte, and Natasha Nishimwe from Save the Children shares how coaching helped her overcome self-doubt and thrive.Tune in for part two to be released for International Women's Day 2025, and hear Natasha's full story...2025-03-031h 06
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesYouth Leadership (Episode 2)Send us a textIn this episode, we continue talking about youth participation in humanitarian and civic action. We discuss how youth can and should be involved in crisis response, humanitarian action, and development. Hear from participants of the Youth Leadership for Emerging Future programme Miro Béreš and Maria Andruchiw, as well as Kacper Rynio, the HLA's Programme Officer in Eastern Europe Regional Centre.About speakers:Kacper Rynio works as the HLA Programme Officer in Poland. He gained experience in humanitarian aid while studying Global Development and Sustainability at B...2025-02-2819 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesReflecting on Three Years: What the Humanitarian Response to the Ukraine War Taught UsSend us a text24 February 2025 marks the third anniversary of the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine. In this conversation, we focus on lessons learnt from these three years of delivering humanitarian response with the goal to support and strengthen locally-led action.Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (the HLA), talks with Kamila Wujec, Leadership Pillar Lead at the HLA, and our former Regional Lead in Eastern Europe; Piotr Kolodzej, HLA’s Regional Lead in Eastern Europe, and Anastasiia Korobchuk, our Learning Solutions Specialist in Ukraine. Looking back at the...2025-02-2438 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesTwo Years On: Reflecting on the Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Humanitarian ResponseSend us a textAs we mark the second anniversary of the Türkiye-Syria earthquake response, this podcast episode is dedicated to reflections, lessons learnt, and remaining challenges.Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the HLA, hosts a conversation with Bdour Ghousheh, the HLA Regional Lead in the Middle East and North Africa, and Samantha Davis, the HLA Deputy Director for Learning and Programmes. The discussion touches on personal experiences responding to the disaster, the essential role of local partnerships and expertise, focus on strengthening local capacity and investing in sustainable systems, mental health and wellbeing s...2025-02-0523 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesListening to lead: Kate Beale on leadership, collaboration, and global humanitarian actionSend us a textWhat does it take to build a career that spans continents, sectors, and some of the world’s most pressing challenges? In this episode, the HLA’s Ka Man Parkinson is joined by Kate Beale, Managing Director at Crowell Global Advisors, who shares her extraordinary journey from grassroots work in Paraguay to influencing global policy in Washington DC. In this exclusive interview for Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives, Kate shares her experiences on: How her college professor inspired her to join the Peace Corps, shaping her passion...2025-01-2828 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesWomen’s Education in Emergencies in Pakistan: voices from the training room and beyondSend us a textIn this episode, we take you on a deep dive exploration of a transformative programme designed to address the unique challenges faced by women working in the education context in crisis affected communities across Pakistan. We published the initial story of the training as it happened, and in this episode we present an audio journey of this initiative by sharing voices from the training room and beyond. Ka Man Parkinson (HLA Communications and Marketing Specialist) takes us behind the scenes through a series of conversations with:Efren...2025-01-201h 17
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesPreparados para el futuro: Practicantes Profesionales del Programa de Jóvenes Humanitarios de HLA en Perú comparten sus experienciasSend us a textA principios de octubre de 2024, el equipo de HLA en América Latina y el Caribe, junto con 4 organizaciones locales y Save the Children International, se embarcaron en un emocionante viaje: empoderar a los jóvenes en Perú. Ir más allá del fortalecimiento de capacidades para ofrecer una oportunidad que potencialmente pueda cambiar la vida de ocho jóvenes graduados de diversos campos de trabajo, con un interés común en el campo humanitario.En este episodio, escuchamos directamente a cuatro de ellos, quienes valientemente asumieron esta aventura: Muriel2025-01-1350 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesYouth Leadership Episode 1Send us a textIn this episode, we focus on Youth Leadership and talk about the importance of youth participation. On the Youth Leadership for Emerging Future programme example, we discuss how youth can and should be involved in crisis response, humanitarian action, and development. The participants shared about the challenges they identified and how they addressed them while working on their projects. You will hear from Agnieszka PŁoska, Youth Changemaking Manager at Ashoka Poland, and Vee Tranova and Vitalina Petrova, participants of...2024-11-1828 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesPlacing mental health and psychosocial support at the heart of the humanitarian agendaSend us a textWith the global mental health crisis affecting one in four people – and nearly everyone within communities impacted by crisis including conflict and disasters – the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is more urgent than ever.In this episode, Ka Man Parkinson holds a candid conversation with Marie Dahl and Dr Victor Ugo from The MHPSS Collaborative. Marie and Victor share honest reflections on the challenges they face with their work, while passionately setting out their vision to enhance the mental wellbeing of children, youth, and families in adve...2024-11-1154 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesUnlocking potential: cultivating a culture of humanitarian learningSend us a textIn this episode - part two of our deep dive exploration of humanitarian learning in 2024 - we continue the insightful conversation with passionate learning advocates Janet Nyaoro, Eleonora Aralla and Neba Ambe Azinui.In the first instalment of this conversation, Humanitarian learning in 2024: perspectives from Africa, the trio discuss the nature of and trends in humanitarian learning and training, and share their own rich on-the-ground professional and personal experiences.In this second episode, listen to an inspiring exploration of learning as a powerful tool for growth for...2024-10-0936 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesHumanitarian learning in 2024: perspectives from AfricaSend us a textIn this episode - the first instalment of our two-part series - we explore current trends in humanitarian learning with a special focus on Africa. We sit down with three passionate advocates of learning in all forms: Janet Nyaoro (HLA East and Southern Africa Regional Centre), Eleonora Aralla (CAFOD Zimbabwe and Eswatini) and Neba Ambe Azinui (Grace Charitable and Rehabilitation Organisation, Cameroon).In this insightful conversation centred on learning, our guests share their own inspiring learning journeys - and the sometimes...2024-10-031h 05
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesFeminist LeadershipSend us a textFeminist Leadership - a not-so-widely known or understood term. What is Feminist Leadership? What does it actually mean? Is its meaning simply implied in its name? Listen to this insightful conversation led by Rachel O'Brien, Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA).Rachel is joined by two mavens on this topic: Srilatha Batliwala, Feminist Activist and Archie Law, Principal Leadership Advisor at the HLA to break down and define Feminist Leadership - what does it mean in practice? Why is it...2024-09-1948 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesLocalisation: harnessing talent and technology to drive meaningful reformSend us a textHear Bidjan Nashat, tech entrepreneur and seasoned humanitarian leader, speak candidly on the challenges and opportunities in advancing localisation within the humanitarian sector.In this open and informative conversation with the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson, Bidjan critiques current localisation debates and advocates for practical, actionable steps to drive meaningful change. Discover his views on the transformative potential of cash transfers, anticipatory action, and the critical importance of talent development. Technology and AI comes into focus throughout the discussion, and Bidjan highlights how it plays a crucial role i...2024-08-1629 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesLocally-led humanitarian researchSend us a textIn this episode, we are focusing on locally-led humanitarian research. On the SHIFT programme example and reflecting on our partnerships with researchers in Ukraine and Poland, we discuss how local specialists are and should be involved in data collection, analysis, and research design.Tune in to hear from Maryana Zaviyska, Chief of Project Portfolio at Open Space Works, a Ukrainian female-led private social change enterprise, Myroslava Keryk, President of Ukrainian House Foundation, a Polish civic organisation focused on integration of migrants and refugees, and Elisa Sandri2024-08-1538 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesL'Éducation en Situation d'Urgence en Afrique de l’Ouest et CentraleSend us a textDans cet épisode de podcast, Anne Garcon mène une discussion approfondie avec deux spécialistes de l'éducation en situation d'urgence en Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale: Mathilde Lemaire, Responsable du programme de développement professionnel de l’éducation en situation d’urgence pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale à HLA et Yaya Diarrassouba, Conseiller régional de l’éducation en situation d’urgence pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale à Save the Children International.Ils nous font le plaisir de partager leurs expériences professi...2024-08-0726 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesLGBTQ+ sensitivity in the refugee crisis response in PolandSend us a textWhat are the biggest challenges refugees and migrants from the LGBTQ+ community face in Poland, and how do locally-led organisations create networks and structures to support them? In this episode, we are talking about the Ukraine crisis response in Poland with a focus on strengthening the capacity of local organisations and advocacy for LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees. Hear the insights from Sarian Jarosz, Advocacy and Research Lead at Queer Without Borders, an informal group of activists working for the improvement of the situation of LGBTQI+ migr...2024-07-1742 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesCambio Climático y Asistencia Humanitaria: Respuesta durante la temporada de huracanes en América Latina y el Caribe.Send us a textEste es el primer episodio en español de la serie del podcast: 'Nuevas Perspectivas Humanitarias' de HLA. En este episodio, Ana Lucía Villagran, Especialista en Soluciones de Aprendizaje en América Latina y el Caribe; obtiene ideas significativas de Mercedes García, líder de HLA para la región y Dan Stothart, Director Humanitario Regional de Save the Children en América Latina y el Caribe.La conversación profundiza en las experiencias de Dan y Mercedes al responder a las comunidades afectada...2024-07-0946 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesBuilding effective humanitarian learning communitiesSend us a textHow can we harness the power of communities and networks as tools for humanitarian learning?In this podcast episode, Esther Grieder (the HLA's Global Communities and Partnerships Lead), leads a deep dive discussion with three seasoned community builders from Ghana, Nigeria and the UK to share and compare professional experiences.Tune in to hear insightful learnings and reflections from Esther and guests Ese Emerhi (Global Network Weaver for Global Fund for Community Foundations), Jon Novakovic (Executive Director for Global Inter-agency Security Forum – GISF), an...2024-06-1456 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesCoaching and mentoring: tools to support every humanitarianSend us a textAre you curious about coaching and mentoring - but not sure if it’s right for you, or how to get started? Charlotte Balfour-Poole, Head of Coaching at the HLA, provides her expert overview of coaching and mentoring, and highlights how they can be used as powerful tools to support every humanitarian.In conversation with Ka Man Parkinson, Charlotte helps to demystify the concepts, and provides tips and advice for anyone interested in unlocking their potential through coaching and mentoring. To access the podcast show notes including Cha...2024-04-2435 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesDelivering training: Overcoming the challengesSend us a textThe delivery of high quality humanitarian learning - face-to-face or online is not devoid of unique challenges.As crises occur, it becomes increasingly important to carefully analyse capacity strengthening experiences and then introduce simple yet innovative methods to counter challenges faced so that training can get to the people who need it most.In this second part podcast episode we hear again from Rose Wahome, an avid educator and now certified coach and mentor in conversation with Nwabundo Okoh, HLA Communications and Marketing Specialist.Rose leans in...2024-04-2443 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesLeadership and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza: in conversation with Jamie McGoldrickSend us a textListen to Archie Law AM (Principal Leadership Advisor at the Humanitarian Leadership Academy) in conversation with Jamie McGoldrick, who has just completed a term as the Interim UN Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Together with Archie, Jamie discusses leadership and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the challenges and opportunities in working with complex ecosystems in Gaza, and what might lie ahead for the humanitarian sector in the Gaza response.This is a recording of a conversation held in March 2024 exclusively for Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives. Note on a...2024-04-1842 min
Fresh Humanitarian PerspectivesUsing our skills to make a difference: our humanitarian career journeysSend us a textWhat does a humanitarian career look like? How can you kickstart your own journey in this inspiring sector – and how can this evolve over time? In our humanitarian careers podcast series, we’re connecting with humanitarians from around the world to hear personal stories and experiences of working in the sector.In this episode, the HLA's Ka Man Parkinson speaks to colleagues Salma Babban from Jordan and Tom Russell from the UK.We hear about their transitions into the humanitarian world and how their roles have...2024-01-1244 min