We’ve accepted the reality: the systems we once relied on no longer exist. The traditional models of global development and humanitarian assistance have been dismantled, and we’re now in the process of making sense of the changes in the sector. Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched as sweeping cuts from U.S. Government, shifting EU priorities, and pullbacks from traditional donors have reshaped the landscape. This is no longer speculation—it’s happening. And while the dust hasn’t fully settled, we’re beginning to understand what this new world looks like and how we can move forward.
Humentum’s “Global Development and Humanitarian Assistance is Crumbling: A Conversation on What Happens Next” webinar explored these changes and their implications, offering a candid look at what lies ahead. It wasn’t about what might happen; it was an action-oriented conversation about recognizing and accepting what’s already taken place and figuring out what we do next.
The house is on fire
A key moment in the webinar came from Ali Al Mokdad, a Strategic Senior Leader in Global NGO Operations, stating “The house is on fire.” This encapsulated the urgency and rapidly-changing nature of our sector. The old systems we built—while once effective—were built during a specific time period and haven’t evolved adequately to address consequent and contemporary challenges. The house isn’t burning just now—it was always at risk. The signs were there long before. The systems we’ve relied on have been fragile, and their structural issues were evident. As they begin to unravel, it’s not just about acknowledging the fire—it’s about how we rebuild with intention, care, and foresight. This moment offers a chance to move beyond rhetoric and truly center locally led development, ensuring that communities are not just consulted, but take active control in designing and implementing the solutions that shape their future.
The call for collective strength
Jacqueline Asiimwe Mwesige, CEO of CivSource Africa, pointed out, “We must move beyond individualistic approaches and embrace collective strength.” Jacqueline’s work focuses on telling the stories of African giving, philanthropy, and generosity, and she emphasizes the need to catalyze local giving and build community-driven philanthropy. This is where her emphasis on Ubuntu resonated most with me. The concept of Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—is about understanding our shared humanity and thriving together. It’s not about individualistic achievements, but about working collectively for the well-being of the community.
What resonated with me was that, as an African, whose continent has long been at the receiving end of humanitarian and development interventions, I’ve always known that we had systems of resilience before the dominance of external aid. But hearing Jacqueline’s perspective reminded me of just how much we thrived through our own systems. We’ve always had ways of growing, building resilience, and supporting each other without the overwhelming influence of these external systems.
This shift in perspective is crucial as we look to move forward with partnerships that reflect true equity. It’s not about being passive recipients of aid anymore; it’s about re-imagining our role in development as leaders of our own change, where our values, like Ubuntu, guide the process.
Partnerships and the need for radical solidarity
Andrew B. Julius is a Senior Associate at the BioInnovation Institute in Denmark, also touched on the importance of redefining partnerships. He argued for simplifying operational processes, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring that partnerships are grounded in shared accountability and transparency. But perhaps more importantly, he emphasized the need for radical solidarity—a concept that aligns with Ubuntu. It’s about collaborating with intent and purpose, working together to address the systemic challenges faced by the Global Majority without perpetuating old power dynamics.
As Andrew suggested, now is the time for organizations from different sectors, both within and outside Africa, to truly embrace collaboration. This is not about working in silos or operating with an “us versus them” mentality. It’s about building relationships that honor the contributions, histories, and knowledge of local communities. Collaboration should not just be transactional but transformative. It’s about creating sustainable solutions that are designed and driven by the very communities that need them.
Language and its role in shaping new narratives
Language plays a pivotal role in shaping how we understand our work. During the webinar, the discussion around language struck a chord with me. The terms we use—” aid,” “development,” “foreign assistance”—are increasingly outdated and fail to reflect the complexities and nuances of the challenges we face.
While it’s essential that we speak and understand what we are saying, it’s also important to contextualize how language has evolved and who has shaped it. Historically, the language of aid, development, and humanitarian assistance has been largely shaped by those in power. These terms were developed with specific contexts and assumptions in mind.
As we redefine our approach to global development, we need to think critically about the language we use. It’s not just about finding new words; it’s about creating language that is inclusive, reflects the agency and strength of local communities, and moves beyond outdated frameworks. The words we choose should honor the contributions and histories of those we work alongside, acknowledging them as active participants in shaping solutions rather than passive recipients of aid. For example, instead of referring to local communities as ‘beneficiaries,’ we can describe them as ‘partners,’ ‘co-creators,’ or ‘leaders’ in the development process. This shift in language emphasizes their agency and acknowledges their role in driving change, not just receiving it.. We need to rethink how we frame development and aid—shifting from a narrative of dependency to one of collective responsibility, collaboration, and shared success. This new language should reflect the agency of local communities, highlight their contributions, and emphasize the shared responsibility in achieving sustainable progress.
As we face the crumbling of old systems, it’s essential that we move beyond rhetoric and begin practical collaboration. This starts with acknowledging the shortcomings of the past and committing to a future where our partnerships are built on trust, shared accountability, and collective growth.
How can we get there? We need to invest in understanding the local realities of the communities we aim to serve, ensuring that those who have lived the challenges are at the center of the solutions. As panelist Andrew B. Julius emphasized, we must foster local leadership at all levels by ensuring that decision-making roles are given to community leaders. This can be achieved by involving local experts in project design, management, and evaluation, making sure their voices are central to development processes.
Building a new era of collaborative action
This is not about fixing the sector or continuing with business as usual. It’s about creating a new operational model—one that redefines how we work together, driven by shared responsibility and collective impact. The practical work ahead requires us to act with intention, build coalitions, and develop new frameworks for collaboration that support and elevate local communities, ensuring the integration of their knowledge and agency in the process.
Let’s reimagine what partnership means—an equitable, inclusive, and resilient partnership that is not just about delivering aid, but about fostering systems of development that are sustainable and rooted in the strengths of local communities.
Call to action
As we reflect on the changing dynamics of global development, it’s clear that the future lies in reimagining how we collaborate and strengthen local communities. The conversations shared in this webinar provide valuable insights on how we can create a more sustainable, inclusive approach to development.