DEMAC is delighted to join and contribute to this panel discussion, which explores the dynamics of human mobility in Pakistan and Afghanistan amidst escalating climate-driven crises. It examines the root causes of displacement, the impact on local communities, and the unique challenges faced by affected populations. The discussion highlights potential solutions, emphasizing the critical role of diaspora in fostering resilience and coordinated action. In the panel are: Adrien Bory – Head of DEMAC and DRC Diaspora Programme Kerrie Holloway – Research Fellow with the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI Global Zahra Khan Durrani – Humanitarian Learning and Research Coordinator, Islamic Relief Worldwide Jonas Habimana Seruvugo – Executive Director of the Bureau d’Informations, Formations, Échanges et Recherches pour le Développement (BIFERD) The discussion will be moderated by Osmawani Osman, International External Relations Coordinator, Islamic Relief Worldwide. Discussion Questions: What is the current understanding of the link between climate change and migration? Specific case study on rapid-onset event (i.e Pakistan floods) have contributed to displacement Drivers of migration: how do social, economic, political, and cultural aspects amplify or mitigate the impact of climate-induced migration How should international frameworks be adapted to address the specific challenges of climate-induced migration? What role can organizations like Islamic Relief and other faith-based actors play in advocating for and assisting climate-displaced populations?

As humanitarian actors face challenges in meeting increasing needs, diaspora communities play a remarkable role in filling gaps in humanitarian assistance via innovative fundraising modalities. Engaging with diaspora communities presents an opportunity to leverage their innovative solutions and local expertise for more sustainable and comprehensive humanitarian efforts. The private sector has been a key stakeholder in engaging with diaspora to finance different thematic sectors while maximizing diasporas’ existing financial contributions. Innovation Norway is currently funding a project by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Diaspora Engagement Unit to develop a diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters in the Philippines. A model for reimagining remittances and highlighting impact at the intersection of engagement between IOM, private sector, diaspora, and other actors. The diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters is an example of how the private sector meets immediate shelter needs in a sustainable impactful manner utilizing the diasporas' financial contributions and skills. The session will highlight how innovative diaspora contributions/financing can be mobilized to strengthen sustainable humanitarian and resilience-building efforts. The overall scope of this session will be to understand the role of diaspora communities in humanitarian interventions: Present the Bahay Matibay initiative, a diaspora-guaranteed microfinance model for safe shelters. Discuss diasporas’ added value through real-world examples of how diasporas have effectively responded to humanitarian and development needs. Identify strategies, best practices, and opportunities to scale diaspora financing or engagement modalities. Q&A session with audience and panelists.

As the world is engulfed by a rising flood of environmental, political and economic conflicts, are we in danger of being swallowed by never-ending disaster? How can uncertainty and risk shape positive communal change and help leaders to navigate the polycrisis? These questions are at the heart of CHL’s 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference: Transformative leadership in times of polycrisis. As the number of people living in crisis continues to break records, with more than 300 million people in need of life-saving assistance and billions more in or on the edge of extreme poverty, the climate emergency and polarising and inequitable political-economic systems are compounding and growing the problem. The 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference will focus on the very human element of leadership: of who takes risks and how they can make real, positive change. Disrupting the usual discussions and creating space for emerging and insightful analysis, the 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference will explore the multiple aspects and impacts of the polycrisis as well as the multi-faceted nature and influence of transformative leadership.  It will showcase the increasing reality of diverse leadership and its capacity to navigate and affect positive change in crises around the world. The 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference is hosted by the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership in partnership with the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies.   A hybrid format for maximum engagement We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Humanitarian Leadership Conference will be hosted in Doha, Qatar. From April 8-9, delegates will gather at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, home to the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, or can stream all the action from our dedicated digital conference platform.   

DIHAD, launched in 2004, is considered as the Middle East’s first ever humanitarian aid and development event creating a regional platform for the exchange of humanitarian ideas and practices. Over the years, DIHAD has grown into one of the largest among such events as it brings together humanitarian actors and key decision makers from leading international organisations, NGOs, Governmental emergency management bodies, foundations, charities, academia, the media, the private sector and others. DIHAD brings together Top International Humanitarian Community Professionals and Key Decision-Makers to global discussions on best practices in the realm of humanitarian assistance and development DIHAD is a perfect platform to network, identify innovative solutions and seize new opportunities to support the crisis-affected communities around the world Meet the leading humanitarian agencies and organizations to convene and exchange experiences and to discuss key humanitarian issues. The 2025 edition, themed "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World", will revolve around the following topics:  Conflict and the evolution of humanitarian principles The changing landscape of financing The development/humanitarian aid interface Globalisation and localisation; new actors The exponential impact of climate change Population displacements; trends and challenges Explore the 2025 conference program here

The 4th European Humanitarian Forum 2025 (EHF), will be co-hosted by the European Commission and Poland, holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, on 19-20 May 2025 at The Square in Brussels.  As for the previous 3 editions, the event will be organised back-to-back with the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting.  More information will be published soon.