It’s that time of the year again when we’re getting started on fulfilling new year resolutions and initiating plans for 2025 or this first quarter. According to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2025 (UNOCHA), 305.1million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2025 – this is compared to 300 million people in 2024. This increase is fueled by conflict, violence, natural disasters, and political instability – the usual suspects.

This means that as humanitarians we need to be prepared now to respond to crisis that has occurred or when it occurs in our localities. We must be equipped with the right information, mindset, skillset and knowledge to solve problems in a way that is sustainable and does not cause harm.

Considering your work last year and the impact of your support as a humanitarian, perhaps you feel equipped to take on the new year’s challenges. You may also feel that there are gaps in your knowledge which you must fill to respond more effectively in 2025.

You will find this non-exhaustive list helpful.

(Feel free to add to the list when you repost it on your social media pages!)

1. Start where you are 🏁

This sounds simple but sometimes the hardest step is the first. Using the resources already within your grasp such as a phone, tablet, or laptop with internet access, you can begin your learning journey. If you’re already a Kaya learner, you have access to hundreds of learning resources for you to take freely at your own pace. So, start there. If you’ve never tried learning online, Kaya is a great place to start – it’s self-directed, 100% free with material available in up to 12 languages and accessible to everyone. Look out for courses relating to solutions to current world problems or areas you are curious about.

2. Get curious – step out of your comfort zone 🔎

So, you have preferences for learning in terms of interest, topic, style, pace, platform, channels, and more. 2025 may just be the right year to step out of the box – investigate an area of humanitarianism you’ve never investigated before. Start reading a new publication; check global trends and shifts – which topics are you unfamiliar with? Which topics scare you? Do navigate them even if everything seems unrelated. It connects in the end in the humanitarian eco-system.

3. Join a network or learning community 👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻

It could get a bit challenging trying to navigate your learning journey alone; that’s why networks and communities exist (for organisations and individuals) – to provide mutual support. In 2025, consider joining a network or community of like-minded learners where you can share ideas, find mentorship and inspiration. Several exist. We recommend the Kaya learning community, and if you’re a woman – the Women in Leadership Network. Start by signing up to receive Kaya monthly newsletters; you will receive signposts to what’s new in the global humanitarian learning community (free online or hybrid events such as HX, new courses, job opportunities) and updates about learners like you who you can connect with and learn more from.

4. Focus on your Professional Development 👩‍🎓

Sometimes the challenge in the humanitarian sector is that there are not enough people with the right knowledge and skill to take on different levels of responsibility. A vast knowledge portfolio opens a door of opportunities for good – for yourself and your community. Remember this if/when the going gets tough when you are completing that new course or training. Get familiar with reliefweb, and developmentaid, which provide information on available opportunities.

5. Watch and listen back 🎧

There is a plethora of information already freely available on not just the HLA Resources Hub but on a few learning spaces as well. You will find webinars and podcasts on topics ranging from coaching and mentoring, localisation, innovative financing to leadership, WASH, learning and development and more. All providing a fresh perspective on humanitarian approaches and responses. Take time to binge-watch/listen to these materials, maybe more than once throughout the year. Find some helpful resources here, here and here.

BONUS

Make time ⌚

It’s very easy to not have time to learn but an intentional approach helps a great deal! If you’re choosing the online learning route this year, remember that for several online courses the content takes one to two hours to complete. Planning and setting aside learning time might be the right tactic in 2025!

Have you found this list useful? Have you got any ideas to add or emphasize? Do spread the word with fellow humanitarians. Stay tuned for more content aimed to inspire and motivate you on your learning journey!