Conference: The Changing World Order and its Impact on Humanitarian Action

The global order is becoming increasingly multi-polar, with shifting power dynamics. Although these changes have unfolded over several decades, they became markedly visible in 2025. The changing state of global order coincides with a decline of the so-called ‘rules-based order’. There is a growing disregard for international humanitarian law, human rights, and the international justice system. In addition, development and humanitarian funding is seen as an easy target for budget cuts, or more explicitly tied to the strategic interest of nation states, with the Netherlands making similar choices in recent months. These trends have serious consequences for people affected by crises, who continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of war and conflict as well as existing inequalities and heightened health and safety risks. 

The conference opens up space to explore how local and (inter)national responders can continue to provide relevant and effective support to affected people. It aims to support sensemaking of fast-moving developments and to identify potential pathways for future work.  Together, participants will examine the implications of the developments on the communities we work with.  The working conference offers an opportunity to reflect on new ways of working within the Dutch humanitarian landscape, including how a central place for national and local actors can continue to be assured.  

CEOs and senior staff from the Dutch humanitarian sector, including NGOs, UN agencies, academia, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector, will come together to reflect, exchange ideas, and chart a path forward – on invitation only.

Stay tuned for more details on the programme and speakers.
For inquiries, please contact KUNO at kuno@kuno-platform.nl.

– Picture Sebastiaan Soeters –

KUNO, Clingendael Institute and The Hague Humanitarian Studies Centre join forces to combine academic research, strategic thinking and facilitation to enable practitioners and policy makers to look ahead during this full day working conference.