In this episode of 'Matter of Priorities,' our host Alice Obrecht continues her conversation with Hugo Slim on his work with the Norwegian Center for Humanitarian Studies. The discussion focuses on more detailed principles for prioritising and allocating humanitarian resources, such as the principle of shared responsibility. He explores how geopolitical relationships and proximity can play a crucial role in defining and meeting humanitarian needs.

The episode also includes an updated conversation with Hugo on the aid cuts taking place in early 2025 and how they could be undertaken with an eye to improving humanitarian aid. Hugo emphasises the need for a leaner, nationalised humanitarian framework and the importance of maintaining universal values amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Guest:
Hugo Slim, Senior Research Fellow at the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice at Blackfriars Hall at the University of Oxford.

Hosts:
Alice Obrecht, Head of Research & Impact, ALNAP

Resources

How should we define and prioritise humanitarian need? An ethics-based perspective for impact initiatives

ALNAP’s A Matter of Priorities: a podcast on tough choices in humanitarian funding

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In this episode of 'A Matter of Priorities,' as the sector as a whole looks at a 'humanitarian reset,' our host Alice Obrecht delves into the definition of a humanitarian need with Hugo Slim and how these boundaries might be redefined.

The episode features insights from Hugo Slim, a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford, who discusses the need to redefine humanitarian needs through six theoretical approaches and three core questions that agencies should address.

The conversation further explores the ethical dilemmas of prioritising short-term emergency aid over long-term recovery efforts, with practical examples such as displacement scenarios in South Sudan. The discussion underscores a shift towards focusing on vital interests and necessary programming over broader, optimal life improvements to better address urgent humanitarian crises.

Guests:
Katie Rickard, Impact Initiatives
Hugo Slim, Senior Research Fellow at the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice at Blackfriars Hall at the University of Oxford.

Hosts:
Alice Obrecht, Head of Research & Impact, ALNAP

Resources

How should we define and prioritise humanitarian need? An ethics-based perspective for impact initiatives

ALNAP’s A Matter of Priorities: a podcast on tough choices in humanitarian funding

Join our WhatsApp channel

In this episode of A Matter of Priorities, our host Alice Obrecht takes a deep dive into the ripple effects of unprecedented budget cuts to the World Food Program (WFP). With a shortfall of over 50% in its 2023 budget, WFP faced its largest financial crisis in its 60-year history, forcing it to make drastic reductions in food and cash assistance across the globe.

We explore how these cuts unfolded on the ground, particularly in Uganda, and the human toll they’ve taken.

The discussions highlight the structural challenges, the human impact of these cuts — including heartbreaking examples of coping mechanisms adopted by refugees — and the broader implications for the humanitarian sector.

Guests:
Valerie Guarnieri: Assistant Executive Director for Program and Policy Development at the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
Christoph Dieterica: Professor of Development Studies at the Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp.
Rose Eriks: PhD student at the University of Antwerp.

Co-Host:
Alice Obrecht, Head of Research & Impact, ALNAP
Emmeline Kerkvliet, former Research Officer, ALNAP

ALNAP’s A Matter of Priorities: a podcast on tough choices in humanitarian funding

Join our WhatsApp channel