On 26 September 2024, ToGETHER attended the launch of the German Federal Foreign Office’s (GFFO) new Strategy for Humanitarian Assistance in Berlin. The event, which brought together key humanitarian actors and government officials, was an opportunity to not only showcase our work but also engage in meaningful discussions about the future of humanitarian assistance.

We were especially happy to see Grace Mumo Muema, Resource Mobilization Manager at the Puntland Minority Women Development Organization (PMWDO), one of ToGETHER’s local partners in Somalia, take part in a panel discussion virtually. Grace shared insights on the role local organizations play in transforming humanitarian systems, drawing from her experience of working directly with affected communities in Somalia. Her perspective reminded everyone of the need to involve local voices in decision-making to ensure aid reaches those who need it most in an effective and coordinated way.

Grace’s contributions were especially impactful as she highlighted the importance of complementarity within the humanitarian system, stressing how local NGOs, INGOs, donors, and private businesses can work together by leveraging each other’s strengths. She also spoke about the challenges women face as professionals in the humanitarian field in patriarchal societies like, for example, Somalia, drawing attention to the need for greater gender equity. She finalized her intervention with a ToGETHER national HOIFA fund example for a protection project in Somalia. Grace vividly described a case of a woman with six children, abandoned by her husband while fleeing, and experiencing gender-based violence, and who received critical health support, counseling, and cash.

Germany’s humanitarian assistance, as outlined in the 2024 Strategy for Humanitarian Assistance Abroad,remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, delivering life-saving aid to millions worldwide. The new strategy outlines a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to global humanitarian efforts, rooted in the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The strategy integrates humanitarian assistance into broader national security objectives, focusing on coordinated measures to address and prevent crises, while contributing to Germany’s and Europe’s security. Key priorities include ensuring safe and principled humanitarian access through humanitarian diplomacy, reinforcing international law, and protecting both aid workers and affected populations. The strategy also seeks to transform the global humanitarian system to make it more efficient, effective, gender-sensitive, and anticipatory. This involves promoting innovative approaches like early warning systems and anticipatory action to mitigate crises.

A strong focus is placed on localizing aid by partnering with local actors and ensuring that at least 25% of humanitarian funding is directly allocated to local organizations (via a maximum of one intermediary). A strong focus is placed on localizing aid by partnering with local actors. Gender and inclusion are central to the strategy, aligning with Germany’s Feminist Foreign Policy to address the specific needs of women, girls, and marginalized groups. Additionally, the strategy highlights the importance of flexible, needs-based funding, accountability, and transparent monitoring, ensuring that aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in a timely and efficient manner. Through this holistic approach, Germany aims to not only alleviate immediate suffering but also contribute to long-term global stability and resilience in the face of ongoing and emerging challenges.

Despite this ambitious vision, the global humanitarian system is under increasing pressure, with more crises emerging and global humanitarian needs exceed the financial resources allocated by the donors. Germany’s decision to cut its humanitarian budget was a major concern discussed during the event. The reduced budget forces prioritization of crises, emphasizing politically significant sectors and geographical regions, leaving others underfunded.

Susanne Baumann, GFFO State Secretary, addressed these concerns during her speech, acknowledging the political context of the new strategy and referencing the ongoing migration debate in Germany and the need for stabilization in countries of origin. She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to humanitarian principles. There was concern from the audience that a selective focus on countries with high migration relevance could potentially overlook countries with equally or greater humanitarian needs, thereby appearing as compromising the humanitarian principles.

A lively panel discussion followed Baumann’s address, featuring key voices from across the humanitarian sector. In addition to Grace Muema, speakers included Verena Knaus from UNICEF, Alessandra Gilotta of the Anticipation Hub, Anica Heinlein from VENRO, and Boris Mijatović, a Member of the Deutscher Bundestag. The panel focused on ways to improve the efficiency and impact of humanitarian aid, with a particular emphasis on local engagement, innovative approaches like anticipatory humanitarian action, and the need for better coordination between governments, NGOs, and international bodies.

After the discussions, participants were invited to network and visit the humanitarian exhibition, where ToGETHER showcased its work. Other available stands included the World Food Programme (WFP), Humanitarian Negotiation, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Handicap International, Anticipation Hub, and Welthungerhilfe Anticipatory Humanitarian Action Facility (WAHAFA). The event was a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to adapt the humanitarian system to today’s realities.

The day was an impressive reminder that, although the challenges are immense, there is a shared commitment across the humanitarian community to adapt, innovate, and strengthen efforts to meet the needs of vulnerable populations around the world. We at ToGETHER are proud to be part of this important conversation and look forward to continuing our work in partnership with local organizations and global actors alike.