The Way We Work

Humanitarian practice is changing all the time. Long-term crises, such as migration and climate change, generate new needs and require new methodologies. The changing geo-political context imposes new dilemmas, meanwhile new actors step into the scene and new technologies bring new possibilities – and risks.

(Enforced) adaption requires good thinking and questioning. What is the added value of International NGOs from the Global North? How can international NGOs support – and not overrule – local leadership? How do NGOs implement new technologies with minimal risk? What should they learn from previous successes and failures? How can the sector improve and innovate to support more people at a lower cost?

Under the header ‘The Way We Work’, KUNO will focus on different issues that touch on the essence of humanitarianism: Localisation, the decolonization of aid, the Nexus, Open Data, Artificial Intelligence, and humanitarian governance. One leading question will be: how should we adapt to remain trustworthy and reliable allies for those in the highest need?

The Way We Work - Themes

Local leadership

Humanitarian aid should be as local as possible and as international as necessary. To support this principle, Dutch INGOs can shift power to local actors by investing in long-term partnerships, providing flexible and direct funding, supporting local leadership development, and advocating for local voices in decision-making spaces. This also involves rethinking traditional roles—moving from implementers to facilitators and allies—while ensuring transparency, trust, and mutual accountability guide the transition.

Nexus

A better link between humanitarian action and development work is needed, especially since crises are getting more complex and last longer.

Future

In a time of rapid and global change, the role of Dutch humanitarian organisations is changing fundamentally. Dutch NGOs need to rethink themselves.

Diversity & Inclusion

Under the theme 'Diversity & Inclusion' KUNO supports the humanitarian sector in its search to become a more inclusive and diverse community.

The Grand Bargain

Improving humanitarian work in daily practice: the Grand Bargain between major donors and aid providers aims to get more means into the hands of people in need

Politics

What is the impact of an ever-polarizing world on humanitarian aid? And how can a humanitarian professional avoid to become an instrument of a political agenda?

Data and Innovation

These cross-cutting topics are central to Kuno’s focus themes.

Innovations in humanitarian aid succeed when they are context-specific, inclusive, and designed with affected communities. Their adoption depends on collaboration, openness to change, and clear, demonstrated impact.

Data plays a vital role in informing decisions, guiding programming, and improving accountability. When used ethically, it enhances responsiveness and effectiveness across humanitarian efforts.

Theme articles