27th February 2025
London, UK
On 27 February 2025, we launched our research reports on locally-led humanitarian responses in Eastern Europe and Türkiye & Syria. We extend a sincere massive thank you to everyone who joined us at Conway Hall, London from 9:30am to 17:00. We thank all our partners and researchers involved in these publications.
The event was a true reflection of our mission – to inspire a movement for locally-led humanitarian action. The event delved into the role of local actors, including women-led organisations, youth, activists and grassroots organisations, shedding light on their importance and unique role they play in humanitarian responses.
The agenda of the day included:
| Time | Session | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Reception and welcome | |
| 10:00 -12:00 | Session 1: Alternative humanitarians: the role of women-led grassroots initiatives, activists, youth and volunteers in the humanitarian responses in Ukraine and Poland | Myroslava Keryk, Ukrainian House (Poland) Ben Cope, Ukrainian House (Poland) Maryana Zaviyska, Open Space Works (Ukraine) Nataliia Harasivka, Open Space Works (Ukraine) Sarian Jarosz, Migration Consortium (Poland) Elisa Sandri, Humanitarian Leadership Academy (HLA) Panel Host: Izzy Quilter, Head of Research and Evidence at the HLA |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch (provided) | |
| 13:00 – 14:30 | Session 2: LGBTQI+ rights in humanitarian crises: lessons from Poland and Türkiye | Sarian Jarosz, Queer Without Borders (Poland) Umut Güner, KAOS GL (Türkiye) Panel Host: Pawel Mania, Deputy Director for Impact and Influence at the HLA |
| 15:00 – 16:30 | Session 3: The role of local organisations in the earthquake response in Türkiye/Syria and in the reception of refugees in Poland | Beata Charycka, Klon/Jawor Association (Poland) Julia Bednarek, Klon/Jawor Association (Poland) Aya Yagan, NSDation (Syria, Türkiye) Gokhan Erkutlu, NSDation (Türkiye) Panel Host: Elisa Sandri, Research and Evaluation Specialist at the HLA |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Closing remarks |
Point of contact for more information
Elisa Sandri, Research and Evaluation Specialist at the HLA e.sandri@savethechildren.org.uk or info@humanitarian.academy