Collective action in humanitarian diplomacy – A call for unity in addressing the world’s crises

Opinion Editorial by Ms. Ghada Eltahir
UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait

On the occasion of the launch of the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO), Ms. Ghada Eltahir, Resident Coordinator in Kuwait reflects on the state of affairs globally and the importance of humanitarian diplomacy to address lifesaving priorities.

Bringing over 25 years’ experience in humanitarian affairs and development and having held senior positions in OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), Ms. Eltahir, says that as we look ahead to the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, it is impossible to ignore the complexity and scale of the challenges facing humanitytoday. From protracted conflicts and the escalating impacts of climate change to the rising needs of vulnerable populations, the global humanitarian landscape is more fraught than ever. In 2024 alone, $49 billion is needed to assist some 188 million of the people in need across 73 countries with only 42.4% ofrequirements funded to date.

The humanitarian landscape: Rising challenges and complex conflicts

The humanitarian needs we face today are deeply intertwined with the complexities of modern conflicts, which often involve multiple actors and non-traditional battlefields. The global response to these crises requires not just coordinated efforts but an understanding of the political, social, and economic dimensions of each crisis. Armed conflicts in countries like Sudan, occupied Palestinian territories, Yemen and Syria have displaced millions, while the ongoing effects of climate change threaten entire regions with famine, floods, and droughts. This convergence of humanitarian crises is forcing the international community to rethink how we address suffering and insecurity.

However, it is also a time for hope—a time when collective action in humanitarian diplomacy has the potential to reshape the future of global response efforts. This collective action, spearheaded by governments, like Kuwait, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and donors alike, is not just a lofty aspiration but a necessity in our increasingly interconnected world.

The role of key stakeholders in humanitarian diplomacy

The response to such challenges is no longer as simple as providing food, shelter, and medical aid. It demands a multifaceted approach, including conflict resolution, strengthening local governance, ensuring access to basic services, and promoting sustainable development. But none of this can be achieved in isolation. It requires the alignment of political will, humanitarian action, and development strategies—across borders, organizations, and sectors.

Ms. Eltahir reminds us of the UN Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. António Guterres statement on global priorities at the General Assembly in February 2024, ” For millions of people caught up in conflict around the world, life is a deadly, daily, hungry hell. Record numbers are fleeing their homes in search of safety. They are crying out for peace. We must hear them, and act”.

Kuwait’s leading role: A hub for humanitarian diplomacy

As we look toward the launch of 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, it is particularly fitting that Kuwait, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will host this year’s key discussions. Kuwait has long been recognized for its leadership in humanitarian aid and diplomacy, and its commitment to alleviating human suffering on the global stage is a model for others. Since the inception of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in the 1960s, the country has provided millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected regions across the Middle East and beyond.

Kuwait’s role in humanitarian diplomacy extends beyond its financial contributions. It has also played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and building bridges among conflicting parties, demonstrating that humanitarian diplomacy can complement political efforts to bring about peace. Kuwait’s consistent support for UN humanitarian initiatives, as well as its hosting of major international donor conferences (such as those for Syria), underscores the country’s commitment to fostering collaboration among all humanitarian actors. As a host for this year’s Global Humanitarian Overview, Kuwait will provide a unique platform to advance the conversation around collective action and emphasize the importance of multilateralism in tackling the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.

A path forward: Strengthening collective action

As we gather in Kuwait to launch the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, let this be a reminder that no single entity can address these crises alone. Humanitarian diplomacy, founded on collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals, is essential to ensuring that we not only meet the immediate needs of those affected but also work together to create a more sustainable, peaceful, and just world for all.