Connecting not conflating: a way forward for ‘people-centred’ approaches

As funding cuts risk conflating essential reform agendas—localisation, accountability to affected populations (AAP), and inclusion—how can we ensure that linking these agendas leads to genuine, transformative change for communities in crisis?

The focus on people-centered humanitarian action, though loosely defined, has become a promising force for reform, unifying the three previously independent agendas. While there are benefits to bringing the agendas together, there is also a risk of conflating the three and undermining their distinct objectives. Join ALNAP as we explore the opportunities and challenges of this convergence, building on a recent publication that synthesises evidence across the three reform agendas.

Contributors:

• Meg Sattler | CEO, Ground Truth Solutions
• Kirstin Lange | Programme Specialist - Disability Inclusive Humanitarian Action, UNICEF
• Dr. Puji Pujiono | Founder, Indonesian Development-Humanitarian Alliance
• Veronique Barbelet | Synthesis author, Independent
• Alejandro Posada | Research Fellow, ALNAP
• Anita Kattakuzhy | Director of Policy, NEAR
• Lewis Sida | Director of the Humanitarian Learning Centre, Institute of Development Studies

Expect discussion around:

• Tensions: Where do these agendas clash or create challenges for each other?
• Connections: How can we best integrate the three while maintaining their core contribution?
• Risks: How might trying to combine these reforms superficially stop real change from happening?
• Opportunities: How can we use what’s working in each approach to build a system that truly puts people at the centre?