4/13/2025
Qatar Charity (QC) hosted a panel session titled “Humanitarian Coordination: Complementing VS Competing Actions on the Filed”, as part of the Humanitarian Leadership Conference held under the theme: "Transformative Leadership in Times of Polycrisis" on April 8-9. The two-day was jointly organized by the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, and the Center for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) at Deakin University, Australia.
Moderated by Qatar Charity's External Affairs Specialist, Ms. Fajer Abdulrazzak Al-Abdulghani, the session convened leading humanitarian experts and prominent representatives from key international organizations, UN agencies, and major NGOs to address the challenges and opportunities of coordinating humanitarian efforts.
The session explored the gap between humanitarian theory and field practice, emphasizing the importance of coordination with local governments and communities for effective action. Coordination was highlighted as a strategic tool to prevent crises rather than react to them. Speakers stressed the need to balance operational and implementing partners in both competitive and complementary roles. Data sharing was deemed essential, particularly in fragmented contexts like Gaza. Localization was strongly advocated, with a call to empower Global South organizations. Proposals included multi-year, regionally driven solutions to overcome legal and procedural hurdles in humanitarian response.
During his welcome note, Mr. Mana Mohammed Al-Ansari, Director of External Affairs at Qatar Charity, said, “The world is facing an increasing number of crises—whether driven by conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies. In these moments, effective coordination among humanitarian actors is not just beneficial—it is essential. Well-coordinated action ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable in a timely, efficient, and impactful manner.” Al-Ansari also thanked the conference organizers and speakers for joining the panel discussion.
Ms. Aisha Abdulrazzaq AlKuwari, Director of Humanitarian Operations at Qatar Charity, noted the importance of humanitarian coordination, highlighting the lessons learned from Gaza. “During the 42-day ceasefire, we witnessed how trust and collaboration can drive successful aid delivery. It was not about legal agreements or funding, but about ensuring aid reached those in need. If all humanitarian actors are motivated by the same goal—serving affected populations—coordination reaches its peak, and efficiency becomes the foundation for success in every crisis response.”
Mr. Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, emphasized that humanitarian coordination requires more than just theoretical frameworks—it demands proactive and flexible responses on the ground. “Too often, crises erupt and get worse which complicate the response, while with effective and prompt coordination with relevant parties could have led to avoiding it or mitigating its impact.” He urged that the right people with the right skills must be placed in the right roles to ensure an effective humanitarian response.
Ms. Maria Hatem, Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer at UNHCR Qatar, emphasized the importance of collaboration grounded in equality, transparency, and results. "At UNHCR, we work with various actors in refugee and IDP situations, ensuring a unified approach. Qatar Charity has been a strategic partner for over a decade, and together we complement each other’s expertise to deliver effective, field-driven responses. Our focus remains on a 'do no harm' approach, always prioritizing the needs of the people we serve."