The international aid system has failed to translate its commitments to conflict sensitivity into meaningful action. And yet, we need conflict sensitivity to work. What needs to change?
Timothy Midgley, Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy, Rahma Ahmed & Alastair Carr’s article, “Beyond box-ticking: How conflict sensitivity can shape a more equitable aid system,” suggests that conflict sensitivity risks becoming a box-ticking exercise. An exercise that perpetuates rather than challenges the fundamental flaws in the aid system. It argues that focusing on technical support to address problems at the program level has obscured systemic inequalities & incentives that prevent aid from responding to conflict more effectively. For conflict sensitivity to play a role in shaping an effective & equitable aid system, it must focus on the aid system at large.
To what extent does conflict sensitivity reinforce & guard the very inequalities that have hindered responses to conflict & humanitarian crises in the past? How might conflict sensitivity, the concept & practice, have the potential to play a more transformative role in shaping the way international aid & investment is employed in conflict settings? Join Timothy Midgley & Rahma Ahmed on 25 August at 10:00 AM EST // 16:00 CEST to learn more & discuss.
Tim Midgley
Independent Peacebuilding Consultant
Tim Midgley is an independent peacebuilding consultant, a Senior Associate with Saferworld and an Associate Consultant with PeaceNexus. He has almost 20 years’ experience in conflict research, analysis, programming and policy influencing. For much of the last 10 years he has focused on supporting the integration of conflict and gender sensitive approaches into international humanitarian, development, peacebuilding and commercial efforts. As Head of Saferworld’s Conflict Advisory Unit, he was responsible for oversight of the a number of country-focused conflict sensitivity facilities, institutional helpdesks and targeted support programmes for donors, INGOs and companies. He previously worked for World Vision, and the UK Department for International Development.
Rahma Ahmed
Managing Director
Asal Consulting
Rahma Ahmed is the Managing Director for Asal Consulting, founded in 2015 and established as a values-driven company with a focus on creating meaningful impact and providing a platform for the best of Somali talent to channel their skills and energy towards creating a better Somalia. Rahma traces the foundation to her commitment to conflict sensitivity in development back to 10 years of working in a conflict zone and seeing first-hand the potential for the helpful and harmful impact of Aid interventions. Her work with the Federal Government of Somali’s Aid Coordination Unit has also influenced her understanding of the impact of aid on existing political and social conflict.