What we've learned about how change happens | Rethinking Humanitarianism

The humanitarian system isn't short on identity crises, soul-searching, and reform promises. So why does a system so good at diagnosing its problems struggle to change?

This final episode of Rethinking Humanitarianism and Start Network's collaborative series examines the financial and political roadblocks preventing change, why diversifying who humanitarians feel accountable to could lead to progress, the reality that change is already happening in myriad ways outside the sector's reform attempts, and what humanitarians might learn from activist movements.

Guests
Kia Howson, researcher at Start Network
Irwin Loy, senior policy editor at The New Humanitarian

Key moments
[04:40] – Why keep diagnosing the system if nothing changes?
[16:01] – "Aid is not a cause" – survival and dignity are
[17:26] – From a humanitarian system to an ecosystem
[22:43] – Diversify who humanitarians feel accountable to
[32:11] – Who's filling the void? Local groups, private actors, and competing narratives
[41:01] – What should be supported as the formal system recedes?
[55:44] – Listening and finding common ground in a polarised sector
[1:08:11] – "Change is an action," not just a commitment

Got a question or feedback? Email podcast@thenewhumanitarian.org or post on social media using the hashtag #RethinkingHumanitarianism.

This episode was made in collaboration with Start Network as part of a series that explores what really drives change in the humanitarian system, and what it tells us about future efforts to transform the system for the better.