The Humanitarian Leadership Conference officially commenced on Tuesday 8th April 2025, under the theme: "Transformative leadership in times of polycrisis". The two-day event is hosted in Doha and jointly organised by the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, and the Center for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) at Deakin University, Australia.
The two-day conference brings together over 250 humanitarian professionals, practitioners, researchers, and leaders from more than 85 countries, in addition to hundreds of virtual participants. It offers a global platform to explore the challenges of leadership in increasingly complex and intersecting crisis environments.
The conference was inaugurated with an address by Her Excellency Maryam bint Ali Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who welcomed the convening of the event at a critical moment for the international community. She emphasised the importance of “mobilising global efforts to confront multiple crises, prevent violations, and establish peace," whilst highlighting Qatar's commitment to the principles of international humanitarian law and its efforts to protect civilians through cooperation with regional and international partners.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ghassan Elkahlout, Director of CHS, underscored the unprecedented pressures facing the humanitarian system today—including shrinking resources, narrowing space for independence and integrity, and increased restrictions on aid access such as the direct targeting of humanitarian actors. He noted that the concept of humanitarian leadership discussed at the conference “is not a theoretical luxury, but a sincere attempt to address fundamental questions: Who leads humanitarian action? And how?". Dr. Elkahlout also highlighted the conference's rich agenda, which includes a wide range of presentations, expert discussions, and interactive workshops aimed at encouraging tangible change in the lives of communities affected by conflict and crisis.
In her remarks, Dr. Mary Ana McGlasson, Director of CHL, stressed the urgency of the moment for the humanitarian sector, pointing to worsening funding cuts, overlapping emergencies, and a gradual breakdown of the rules-based international system. She described the conference as a special opportunity to reimagine a global system in which “crisis-affected communities design their own solutions, supported by a worldwide solidarity movement that empowers them to thrive with dignity."
She added, “It is time to centre local leaders and support them in sharing their knowledge and perspectives on the global stage. Whilst long overdue, reforming the humanitarian sector now requires us to embrace diverse and context-driven solutions, rather than continuing to impose one-size-fits-all approaches."
The first day of the conference featured 16 sessions, including workshops, panel discussions, and presentations, covering topics such as local leadership, operational challenges, humanitarian ethics, and effective partnerships across the humanitarian landscape.
For more information, the 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference Program is available online.