On 27th August 2025, Strathmore University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), in partnership with World Vision Kenya, Catholic Agencies for Overseas Development (CAFOD), and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), hosted the World Humanitarian Day Symposium under the global theme “Act for Humanity.”

The one-day symposium convened humanitarian leaders, policymakers, academics, students, and practitioners to reflect on the evolving challenges within the humanitarian space and explore pathways for more effective collaboration, innovation, and protection of aid workers.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Arbogast Akidiva, Academic Programmes Director at SHSS, welcomed participants to Strathmore University and underscored the role of academia in shaping humanitarian practice. “The pursuit of peace and progress cannot end and should not end. I hope this symposium is not a one-day thing but a bridge between principle and action,” he said. His reflections framed the symposium as more than a commemoration, positioning it as a platform for ongoing dialogue and partnership between universities and humanitarian actors.

Challenges in the Humanitarian Space

Speakers acknowledged that the humanitarian space is rapidly shrinking, pointing to a convergence of complex challenges. International funding is on the decline, leaving fewer resources to meet growing needs. At the same time, climate-related disasters are occurring with greater frequency and intensity, stretching response capacities. Protracted political conflicts continue to fuel instability and mass displacement, while new threats such as digital misinformation and disinformation further complicate humanitarian efforts. Together, these factors are reshaping the landscape and making it increasingly difficult to deliver aid where it is needed most.

Barzil Mwakulomba, Regional Director at World Vision, emphasised the importance of recognising humanitarian workers as unsung heroes. “Who is a humanitarian? Today we celebrate all heroes who sacrifice to reach people in need. Humanitarian work is noble, but it faces unprecedented challenges. If we can learn from anything, it is that crises such as conflict, drought, displacement come when least expected.”

Humanitarian Effectiveness and Access

Another recurring theme was the urgency of protecting humanitarian workers and guaranteeing safe, uninterrupted access to populations in need. Mohamed El Montassir, Country Director at IRC, highlighted the broader responsibility we each share: “The greatest part of humanity is not just being human, but being humane. Acting for humanity begins with each of us in the spaces we occupy.”

These pressing realities set the stage for dynamic panel discussions that delved into four key thematic areas. The conversations examined the new realities confronting humanitarian workers on the ground, strategies for preserving and expanding humanitarian access through effective diplomacy, the importance of building a strong collective voice to champion humanitarian action, and the potential for deeper collaboration between academia and humanitarian organizations in shaping solutions for the future.
Participants examined the politicization of aid, shrinking humanitarian corridors, bureaucratic barriers, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when humanitarian organisations take on responsibilities typically associated with the state.

Academia and Humanitarian Practice

With these dilemmas in mind, participants emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between academic research and field realities. They called for closer collaboration where knowledge meets practice, through initiatives such as co-designed curricula with humanitarian actors, publications written in clear and accessible language, hands-on field learning opportunities for students, and innovation challenges that spark creativity and problem-solving among the youth.

This emphasis reflected Strathmore’s commitment to bridging theory and practice, ensuring that research and training meaningfully contribute to humanitarian effectiveness.

Delivering the keynote address, Col (Rtd) David Samoei, Director of the National Disaster Operations Center, noted the growing disaster risks linked to population growth, climate change, and governance challenges. He urged stronger preparedness, accountability, and collaboration to mitigate these risks.

Even with the weight of these realities, the symposium closed on a hopeful note. Participants concluded with a collective call to action:

1. Protect humanitarian workers and uphold international humanitarian law

2. Strengthen partnerships between governments, NGOs, academia, and local communities

3. Invest in resilience and innovation to respond to evolving crises

4. Champion localisation by empowering local actors who are first responders

As participants reflected on the day’s discussions, one message resonated above all: “The success of this day will be measured not by our words, but by our actions after this symposium.”

Article written by: Briege Mwangi