Last week, actors from across the humanitarian ecosystem came together for the 5th International Cooperation Forum in Geneva. Focus of the event: Challenges and future of humanitarian aid in a rapidly changing geopolitical context. For VSF-Suisse, the event was a valuable opportunity to take a step back, jointly reflect on recent developments, validate our approaches and collectively consider the evolution of the humanitarian sector.
The discussions highlighted the need to adapt to a profoundly changed context. Funding cuts, the intensification of crises, and an increasingly politicised environment are forcing humanitarian organisations to rethink their structures and modes of intervention. The growing disregard for the rules and principles of international law was cited as a symptom of a system under pressure. In this context, the central question becomes, how to redefine humanitarian aid so that it remains efficient, credible and rooted in local realities with local actors as true partners and co-constructors of humanitarian responses.
These reflections resonate particularly with the approach of VSF-Suisse working in close partnerships with local organisations, communities and authorities. Livestock are the backbone of livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa – a region prone to fragility and crises. We deliver integrated anticipatory and humanitarian interventions that protect livelihoods and sustain food and nutrition security – before, during and after crises. Through local production of fodder, preventive animal health services and cash-based assistance, we act early, protect livestock assets and prevent livelihood collapse. And during a crisis we distribute livestock feed, deliver emergency veterinary response and invest in restocking and recovery support.
Flurina Derungs, our Executive Director, and Dr. Vincent Hug Hug, our Programme Director, exchanged with Pia Hänni, Head of SDC‘s NGO Section and a range of other key decision-makers.
This approach, based on collaboration, trust and the empowerment of local actors, is more essential than ever for the future of the humanitarian aid sector. Our added value combine technical expertise in animal health, long-term presence and trust, strong local authority and community partnerships, and proven operational capacity in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
The IC Forum was a rich and stimulating space for exchange with other humanitarian actors. Being able to engage in dialogue with other NGOs, institutions and partners involved in international cooperation reminds us that the challenges we face are collective. At a time when it is sometimes possible to doubt the meaning or impact of our actions, these moments of shared reflection reinforce the conviction that the future of humanitarian aid will be built through collaboration, listening and trust.
Ultimately, humanitarian aid is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Between financial constraints, prolonged crises and the reshaping of international balances, it must redefine itself without losing its essence. For VSF-Suisse, this means continuing to place local actors at the centre, defending impartiality and adapting our practices to changing realities, while remaining faithful to our mandate.
The future of humanitarian aid must be built together.