In the context of shifting geopolitics, changing narratives around humanitarian action and declining funding, reflection is happening on the diverse roles different humanitarian actors have. A recent report by ICVA outlines the complementarity of various actors in the system. INGOs, as one group of those actors, see much diversity: they include large, federated organisations, specialised technical agencies, some multi-mandated, others purely humanitarian. Their operational models also differ: exclusively through partnerships, direct implementation, or a mix of modalities. In the present context, some INGOs are exploring specifically how to strengthen their financial and political support base in the donor countries where their headquarters are based.
The first session in this series on ‘The role of INGOs in a localised system‘ concluded that a future role for INGOs is shaped differently. It should be smaller, less focused on implementation and more as ‘connectors’: fund managers, risk absorbers, technical support providers. In addition, a key function of the role is about exerting influence: global political advocacy, defending humanitarian principles, sustaining public support for humanitarian action in donor countries, and fundraising. This session explores how organisations fulfil these roles. It will also look more broadly of the history of creating ‘draagvlak’ (support) in the Netherlands. It aims to conclude with identifying some radical ideas for engagement.
Objectives of the session:
- Informing on various approaches to strengthening international solidarity in donor countries, historically and practically
- Inspire through examples on how INGOs engage constituencies in the Netherlands
- Explore novel opportunities for engagement within or across INGOs
As with all KUNO sessions, anyone working in or alongside the humanitarian field is welcome. This session, however, may also be particularly relevant to those working at communications or fundraising departments of humanitarian organisations.
Please register via this form.
Read more about this series here.
Other sessions in this series will focus on:
- Session 1 – Scenarios for humanitarian systems
- Session 3 – Futuring: what roles for INGOs are conceivable in a more localised system?
– Picture: Corinne Lamain –
