Critical points
In the section Discussions we present a broad selection of ideas on a possible new aid model and criticisms of the old model. In the section on Evidence and key literature we identify documents relevant for the discussion. In this section, we begin to develop a new model, highlighting what we believe are the key/critical points to consider.
Introduction:
There appears to be broad agreement with the statement made in our introduction:
A fundamental change to the aid model is now required by both force and circumstance.
The ongoing discussions about the need for reform have been accelerated by “Trump 2.0”. A myriad of ideas and proposals is now entering the debate from all directions.
Contributions to the Discussion and Evidence sections come from across the ideological and institutional spectrum: rights-based advocates, neoliberals, anti-neocolonialists, both right- and left-wing thinkers, as well as international agencies and institutions.
Despite their differences, all contributors agree: something drastic must be done.
Initial Points
- Most contributions highlight the urgent need to reform the humanitarian aid model.
- Many note that this need for reform has been on the agenda for years At least since the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016.
- The “New Way of Working”, agreed upon at that summit, has not been fully implemented.
- There is widespread agreement that progress on localisation has been limited or superficial.
- The HDP (Humanitarian-Development-Peace) nexus has not delivered, largely because it continues to be led by humanitarian agencies rather than a balanced set of actors.
- Current discussions on UN reform, especially the UN80 initiative, suggest significant structural changes. However, these focus more on internal efficiency and budget cuts than on rethinking the aid model itself.
- Many agree that agencies and institutions that benefit from the status quo lack the incentive and ability to drive the necessary transformation.
- Aid recipients, along with local organisations and institutions, must play a central role in defining a new aid model.
- Proposals for long-term development stress the importance of focusing on impoverished, conflict-affected countries, and taking the aid effectiveness agenda more seriously.