This week, 19th to 21st May 2025, ADRA is joining humanitarian and policy leaders at the European Humanitarian Forum 2025 in Brussels to highlight a message that is central to our mission: the humanitarian system can only succeed if it empowers those closest to the crisis.

The fourth edition of the Forum, co-hosted by the European Commission and Poland under its Presidency of the Council of the EU, is taking place at ‘The Square’ in Brussels. This year’s overarching themes are (i) humanitarian diplomacy — to promote the respect of international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles and safeguard humanitarian space, and (ii) an integrated approach to fragility — to ensure that humanitarian, development and peace actors work together to better link urgent relief efforts with longer-term solutions.

As a global faith-based humanitarian network operating in more than 120 countries, ADRA’s presence at the Forum reflects both our global experience and our deeply rooted local partnerships. Through our delegation of representatives from across Europe — supported by offices in 31 European countries — we are contributing to critical conversations on the future of humanitarian diplomacy and the role of local actors in fragile contexts.

Calling for a principled, inclusive, and locally led humanitarian system

In a time when humanitarian access is increasingly restricted and global funding is under pressure, ADRA joins others in calling for a renewed commitment to principled humanitarianism, particularly in politically complex and conflict-affected environments. Our message at the Forum is clear: local communities and organisations must not only be seen as implementers — they must be recognised as leaders.

Drawing from our policy brief developed for the Forum, we are highlighting the following advocacy priorities:

• Humanitarian diplomacy must protect access and safeguard humanitarian space, upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring the safety of aid workers, especially in conflict zones.
• Reliable, principled global engagement is essential. In a multipolar world, humanitarian assistance must remain a core pillar of EU foreign policy. Aid must be provided solely based on needs and guided by humanitarian principles — impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity — not influenced by (geo)political, security, or commercial interests, but focussing on life-saving humanitarian response
• Centrality of Protection (CoP): Promote (continued) recognition of protection as a key sector in life-saving humanitarian action, especially with declining funding and access barriers. Uphold the Centrality of Protection among all actors in crisis countries.
• Locally-led action is not an option, it is a necessity. Local actors should be recognised as first responders, included in coordination mechanisms and decision-making, and trusted with predictable, flexible funding to respond quickly, effectively and independently. There should be a clear push for providing core funding and adequate overhead support to local organizations, enabling them to build capacity, ensure sustainability, and maintain operational independence.“
• End silos through collaborative integrated actions. Strategic cooperation, coordination, and collaborative action by local governments, civil society, international NGOs, church networks, and community actors is critical and strengthens conflict prevention as well as crisis response and long-term recovery. Empowering marginalised groups and ensuring equal participation — including across age, gender and diversity dimensions — must be core to humanitarian strategies.
• Faith-based organisations like ADRA have a unique role to play conflict prevention, peace building, and post-conflict recovery  at the grassroots level, especially in fragile contexts.
• Strategic Partnerships with the private sector should be leveraged to enhance resilience and deliver sustainable solutions that suit local context, especially in crisis-prone regions.

From voice to action: ADRA’s vision for humanitarian diplomacy

ADRA’s strength lies in its dual identity: global in reach, local in presence. This allows us to work across silos and build bridges — between frontline communities, institutional donors, and faith networks.

One practical example of this approach is ADRA’s ongoing response to the crises in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Mozambique. In these countries, a combination of violent conflict, deforestation, and climate-related disasters has worsened food insecurity and forced displacement. In response, ADRA is working directly with local aid organisations to train first responder groups who assess needs and deliver emergency aid, including food, clean water, cash assistance, and basic supplies. The project currently supports 150,000 people and strengthens local capacity to manage future crises — especially for vulnerable groups. This is part of ADRA’s broader commitment to addressing the root causes of humanitarian crises in the region and ensuring local communities are equipped to lead in times of emergency.

ADRA’s participation in the Forum reflects a growing consensus: for humanitarian action to be truly effective and accountable, local knowledge, relationships, and leadership must be placed at the centre of our collective efforts.

Looking ahead

At ADRA, we believe the humanitarian system must evolve — not by replacing what works, but by rebalancing power, investing in local capacity, and amplifying voices that are too often left out of diplomatic spaces.

We thank the European Commission, DG ECHO, and the Polish Presidency of the EU Council for convening the Forum and reaffirming the importance of dialogue, coordination, and innovation in humanitarian practice.

To learn more about ADRA’s work in humanitarian response and policy, visit www.adra.eu or connect with us on social media.