In a world of tectonic shifts—political, emotional, and moral—leadership cannot rely on certainty. It must lean into compassion, adaptability, and shared responsibility. This reflection offers three lessons on how to lead with both heart and mind when the ground won’t stop moving.

As a leader in development and humanitarian work, I’ve felt the weight of doubt and exhaustion. In this reflection, I share what keeps me from giving up — a quiet inner whisper rooted in purpose, daily gratitude, and a deep commitment to those we serve, even when reason tells me to let go.

The USAID crisis was not just a shock; it was an earthquake that exposed the unstable foundations of INGOs. Strengthening individual organisations won’t matter if the ground beneath them collapses. INGOs must act on both fronts—reinforcing their internal structures while stabilizing the broader system. The question is no longer if they need to transform, but if they will act fast enough to survive.

The recent pause in US foreign aid disbursements has sent shockwaves through the global development sector, exposing its entrenched fragility. Overnight, critical services—from education and health care to climate adaptation and economic development—were disrupted, leaving vulnerable people, communities and the organisations that support them in limbo.

The Honeybee Strategy draws inspiration from the hive's resilience and interdependence, offering a transformative approach to global development. By addressing five critical questions—shifting power, tackling root causes, amplifying local voices, fostering sector-wide collaboration, and speaking truth to power—this strategy creates systemic change, ensuring collective impact and long-term resilience.

As we mark the final day of the year, it’s a moment for reflection—not just on personal achievements and goals, but on the stark inequalities that shape our world. While many of us enjoy the comforts of shelter, education, and financial security, millions like Aamira, a 25-year-old mother of three from Sudan, face daily struggles for survival. Her story, set against a backdrop of displacement and loss, challenges us to rethink privilege and turn it into purpose. This New Year, let’s move from kindness to justice, from compassion to action, and fight for a fairer, more equitable world.

The Fifth Wave is here, challenging INGOs to confront global inequality, shrinking civic spaces, declining aid, and intensifying crises. These storms are not just obstacles—they are catalysts for bold transformation. The time to act is overdue, but the window of opportunity is narrowing rapidly. Will we rise to the occasion, or risk irrelevance?

#TheFifthWave #INGOs #Inequality #GlobalChallenges #Decolonisation #SystemicChange

This article examines the transformative journey of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), highlighting their evolution from unchecked power and impunity to a growing commitment to accountability, transparency, equity and decolonisation. Through the lens of three stories spanning four decades, the paper explores how INGOs have made progress in addressing systemic issues while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

In the ever-changing landscape of global development, INGOs face a web of complex, interdependent dilemmas that challenge their values, operations and impact. In this article, I explore the key dilemmas identified during the Pledge for Change Global Gathering, highlighting their interconnected nature and strategic considerations for responding to them.

One year after the 7 October 2023 attacks, we reflect on the need for bold, visionary leadership in the face of ongoing global crises. Drawing from the parable of the three stonecutters, this blog explores how purpose-driven organisations can work collectively to build a just and resilient future. The path forward requires collaboration—either we win together or we lose together.