WHFtalks Issue 1

WHFTalks

We are pleased to launch our inaugural WHFtalks on World Humanitarian Day, today.

It will share with you the developments in the humanitarian and development sector; have discussions and debates on issues ranging from poverty, gender parity to conflicts and climate change. We encourage your interaction and feedback. I hope you find the issue insightful and interesting.

World Humanitarian Forum as a concept is a place for people to come together to make a change and call for action and WHFtalks aims to keep the discussions open, brave and thought-provoking. I like to think of us as ‘possibilists’—people who believe the world can get better and are committed to playing their part to improve it. More than ever before, we have the power to shape the future.

In the current issue, we have some very interesting conversations. Our Advisory Board Chair and former Foreign Secretary, the UK, Rt. Hon. Jack Straw, focuses on WHF’s theme for 2020, “From Hope to Possibility”. Meanwhile, in a very candid and passionate interview, charming First Lady of Sierra Leone, H.E. Fatima Bio, talks about women’s rights and empowerment.

Funding remains an issue in the sector and NGOs are seeking new models to raise funds. Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust, shares his expertise on launching education bonds in India.

One of the areas that the WHF focuses is technology and WHFTalks’ ‘tech for good’ section highlights new and impactful innovations in the sector.

You will find a strong focus on humanitarian and development policies, innovation in the sector, successful case studies from the field and inspirational interviews with influencers and change-makers under the title of ‘Hero Pathfinders’. This month we are profiling Michael Wamaya who is brining ballet to the slum kids of Kibera. We kindly invite you to be part of this to start conversations, amplify new voices, and forge stronger bonds between change-makers.

I believe that one of the key focus areas for the sector must be to bridge the gap between emergency humanitarian aid and long-term development aid. We will discuss this and more in the coming months as well. I hope you enjoy our inaugural talks and join the conversations in the following editions.

Thanks for being part of this journey.
Welcome to WHFtalks.

Sincerely,
Feraye Ozfescioglu
CEO, WHF

Addressing Poverty:
From Hope To Possibility - The Need For Action

World Humanitarian Forum is pleased to welcome Rt. Hon. Jack Straw as the Chair of the Advisory Board and as the preparations are at a fast-pace, Mr Straw has taken the time to highlight his thoughts on World Humanitarian Forum 2020.

First Lady Of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio

Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio has been combating issues of child marriage and gender violence affecting young girls and women via her ‘Hands off our girls’ campaign. A champion for women’s empowerment, in this interview with Ishara Callan she shares her passion for her work, her mission, challenges that she faces and her advice for the NGO sector.

Tech For Good

Tech for Good is a section dedicated to highlighting how technology is changing the humanitarian and development sector. In this issue, My Charity Hero, CEO Uzair Siddiqui, shares his views on tech for good.

Case Study: Lighting the Way

LIGHT is a not-for-profit organization which is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for orphaned, poor, abandoned, neglected and underprivileged children in India. Since 2006 Light has been actively involved in the holistic development of children and the community. Its main focus is on Dalit (Untouchable) children and communities as they are the underprivileged and poorest in the Indian society.

Impact Bonds:
In Conversation With Richard Hawkes

With governments’ aid budget shrinking, should the development and humanitarian sector look at new models for raising funds? Richard Hawkes, CEO of the British Asian Trust, shares his expertise on launching education bonds for India. He argues the importance of measuring the impact that NGOs have.

Hero Pathfinder:
Michael Wamaya, Bringing Ballet To The Slum Kids Of Kibera

Some stories make you sit up and take notice - Michael Wamaya’s is one of them.

Michael Wamaya was forced to drop out of high school near Lake Victoria due to financial constraints, but a chance audition with the visiting Kenya Performing Arts Group allowed him to move to Nairobi and study dance. As a dance instructor, in 2009 Michael joined Anno’s Africa, a UK-based charity that offers an alternative, arts education to orphans and vulnerable children in some of Africa’s most desperately deprived areas, with a particular focus on those living in slum conditions in Kenya.

HUMLOG Institute to partner the Forum

The Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Research Institute (HUMLOG Institute)- a focal point for researchers in humanitarian logistics - has come on board as the World Humanitarian Forum partner.

“An efficient humanitarian logistics system is important to make humanitarian aid work effectively. We will discuss new supply chain models and systems that are making a difference in the sector. HUMLOG Institute will help us shape this agenda.” - Feraye Ozfescioglu, CEO - World Humanitarian Forum.

UNDB to partner the Forum

The United Nations Development Business - the official United Nations website for consulting, contracting and export opportunities worldwide -will be participating at the World Humanitarian Forum. It will offer delegates an opportunity to understand and be part of the global network and bid for contracts in over 160 countries and 40 business sectors.

World Food Programme joins the Forum

The World Food Programme has come on board as the World Humanitarian Forum and Aid & Trade partner.

“We are delighted to have the World Food Programme join us as key partners. The World Humanitarian Forum and Aid & Trade will have a special focus on food security and WFP will play a key role in developing the agenda for us.” - Feraye Ozfescioglu, CEO - World Humanitarian Forum.

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WHFtalks Issue 1