It’s been one year since the launch of the award-winning Humanitarian Xchange (HX), the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Save the Children UK’s hybrid humanitarian event held for the first time at the Business Design Centre in London on 20th February 2024.
Alejandra Camacho, HX London attendee reflects “It was an inspiring gathering of passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference in humanitarian efforts worldwide. From discussions to innovative solutions, the conference was a hub of collaboration and knowledge exchange. I had the chance to engage with experts and peers from diverse backgrounds.”
120
HX London Speakers
500
HX London in-person attendees
7,000+
Registered for HX London
A year on and having cinched a Best Charity Event/ Event For Positive Change 2024 award; the HLA is grateful that the ripple effects from HX London continue to emphasize the significance and power of collective and multidisciplinary action in creating positive change.
While the world, moreso the humanitarian sector looks remarkably different now than it did 12 months ago, the discussions held in HX London 2024 linger and resonate even more.
Birthing moments
From London to Gaziantep, Sarajevo to Sudan
By the end of 2024, two major HX events had taken place. In addition, two webinar spin-offs were held to continue the dialogue and themes from HX with the global online community: HX Learning Presents on Technology and the HX Webinar Series discussing Innovative Financing with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
HX Gaziantep – the Locally-led Humanitarian Action Conference
In collaboration with Save the Children International Türkiye Country Office and Save the Children International Syria Response Office.
Hashem Sammu, Program Operations Coordinator at Save the Children International Syria Response Office, in a reflection shared that: “The collaboration between local and international stakeholders leads to more effective and sustainable solutions.”
Indeed, more than 200 people representing local Turkish and Syrian NGOs, the UN and governmental agencies, convened to build connections, talk about challenges, and exchange best practices.
The event provided a much need convening space and fostered dialogue in the Turkish and Syrian humanitarian community.
HX workshop Sarajevo – Building Resilience in the Context of Protracted Crises
In collaboration with The Balkans Migration and Displacement Hub (BMDH)
Organisations in the Balkan region have been responding to a complex, protracted crisis, including people-on-the-move support, for about three decades, their experience was invaluable for their peers from Eastern Europe. The event provided a unique networking opportunity and exchange of practical knowledge.
Looking ahead
Now more than ever, conversations like those held at HX in London, Gaziantep and Sarajevo should be had in the spaces where they are most needed. With leaders and influencers from similar backgrounds and experiences and with similar humanitarian goals.
With the support of a recent Google partnership, HLA can continue creating spaces for all parts of the sector to stop, convene and find collective collaborative ways forwards.
Dominic Courage, HLA’s Deputy Director of External Relations said, “We’re incredibly grateful for the funding support from Google. It is a commendable step forward for this initiative and the humanitarian sector in these unique times. We are hopeful that this support will produce positive impact on the humanitarian system and the world.”
In 2025, plans remain in the works to hold space in Egypt, Iraq, Türkiye and Sudan.
A space to call out the clear and hidden struggles, determine solutions, work out new potential partnerships and above all, a space to inspire hope.
