On March 5, Arigatou International and Globethics hosted a roundtable discussion at the Geneva Press Club, bringing together key stakeholders to address the ethical challenges and strategic responses to the ongoing funding crisis in the humanitarian and development sectors.
The event, Navigating the Development and Humanitarian Funding Crisis: Ethical Implications and Strategic Responses, gathered representatives from CSOs, UN agencies, diplomats, and humanitarian experts to discuss the far-reaching consequences of budget cuts and shifting donor priorities. As major donors, including the USA, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK, have significantly reduced their contributions to global aid, participants examined how to uphold ethical standards while ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need to rethink funding models. With traditional aid structures proving unsustainable, experts emphasized the importance of diversifying financial sources, engaging private sector stakeholders, and strengthening local solutions to build long-term resilience. The conversation also underscored the necessity of balancing immediate humanitarian responses with sustainable development strategies to prevent long-term setbacks in human rights and peacebuilding efforts.
Collaboration emerged as another critical theme, with speakers calling for collective action rather than competition for scarce resources. The discussion highlighted the ethical responsibility of humanitarian and development actors to maintain transparency, accountability, and commitment to their core missions despite financial pressures.
The roundtable concluded with a strong call for bold, collective action to ensure that ethical principles remain at the heart of humanitarian efforts. As the crisis deepens, innovative financing, stronger partnerships, and a commitment to human rights will be essential in shaping the future of global aid.
For a full summary of the discussion, read the Geneva Press Club’s press release here: Press release “Navigating the Development and Humanitarian Funding Crisis”
