Purpose:
To make a compelling, evidence-based case for sustained investment in the capacities that enable humanitarian actors to adapt, improve and deliver more impactful assistance.
Funding has been cut, old aid models are faltering, all the while crises are proliferating. Many organisations are feeling pressure to return to a “back to basics”. The danger is that in prioritizing the immediate, we weaken the very functions that make response effective: the capacity to test, adapt, learn and improve. Research, innovation and learning have repeatedly enabled shifts in practice that delivered faster, more dignified and more effective responses— yet these same capabilities are now at risk.
This high-level panel brings together leaders from across the system to consider a new agenda for humanitarian research, innovation and learning — one that is strategic, collaborative and investable. Drawing on recent consultations with diverse stakeholders, multiple decades of experience and futures and foresight initiatives, panellists will explore what works, what we risk losing, and how smarter, sustained and better-aligned funding can drive impact at scale. The session aims to equip donors, researchers, innovators and operational actors with a strong, evidence-led case for sustaining and strengthening research, innovation and learning capacity as a core component of effective, lifesaving action. Building on this, panellists will outline the collective steps needed to secure the knowledge, partnerships and adaptive capabilities required to navigate growing uncertainty and to deliver more equitable, inclusive and effective responses.
Expected outcomes:
- Greater shared awareness of the common challenges that prevent research, innovation and learning from achieving impact.
- A joint synthesis of global insights on the actions that could enable more aligned and catalytic efforts across the sector.
- Early consensus on priorities for smarter, more strategic investment in research, innovation and learning.
Speakers
- Kate Maina-Vorley | CEO, Elrha
- Nick Leader | Head of Research and Evidence Division, FCDO
- Juliet Parker | Director, ALNAP
- Lisette Gotink | Uganda Response Innovation Labs
- Paula Gil Baizan (TBC) | Futures, foresight and innovation specialist
- Dr. Maysoon Dahab (TBC) | Head of Sudan Research Group