A 20-Year Reflection

It’s that time of year when I experience my annual “George Bailey” moment — a meaningful period for reflection and gratitude. This year is particularly special as I celebrate 20 years of my humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding journey. While some may hesitate to celebrate personal achievements in the wake of tragedy, I view the 2004 tsunami as a pivotal moment that reshaped my life — just as it did for countless others. This catastrophic event acted as a powerful catalyst, propelling me away from a conventional career in civil engineering that I had pursued since graduating from university in 2000.

After the devastating loss of five family members to the tsunami, I made a bold and transformative decision. I left behind everything I knew: I packed my belongings, rented out my house, and bravely returned to Sri Lanka — a country I had known only through summer vacations — as a volunteer to help the community. More than just a homecoming, this was a bold step into a new chapter filled with opportunity and purpose.

I was tasked with establishing the Muslim Aid Sri Lanka field office from the ground up. This role demanded strategic vision and leadership in hiring new staff and creating operational systems to meet the urgent needs in the aftermath of the disaster. Starting in 2006, as the civil conflict in Sri Lanka reignited, my focus evolved towards conflict resolution and peacebuilding. This shift allowed me to channel my energy into initiatives that fostered collaboration and dialogue among diverse groups, bridging gaps in a deeply divided society.

Over the past twenty years, I have transitioned through various roles, working with a think tank, engaging with a peacebuilding organisation, and providing consultancy to many entities, including the United Nations. Today, I am honoured to be part of the world’s largest and oldest humanitarian network.

Throughout my journey, I have faced challenges, each bringing opportunities. Many, including parts of my family, initially struggled to comprehend my choice to move away from a lucrative engineering career into the nonprofit sector. It was not typical in the early noughties for a young South Asian man graduating from one of the top Engineering universities in the UK to move from the coveted role of engineer with a prestigious engineering company to a humanitarian worker working with a faith-based NGO. People didn’t fully grasp the significance of humanitarian work. Some accused me of being in trouble and escaping and running away. Others thought I was having a mid-life crisis (at 26!!). While some may not fully understand where I work or what I do, I stand firm in my conviction that making that shift in 2004 was one of my life's best decisions.

Nevertheless, I have navigated and continue to navigate challenges, especially self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Being a natural introvert, it is often hard to make oneself heard in a world of jargon and goodwill, and people feel self-important because of the latter. In an ecosystem struggling to articulate a decolonised approach, trying to buck the trend is challenging, as people ‘question’ your abilities or experience or, worse still, your colour (and faith) can be limiting. It is even more challenging when I see peers excelling in their careers and receiving accolades for achievements after spending decades perfecting their singular crafts whilst I have moved around here and there. It can be easy to feel overshadowed.

I consistently ask myself critical questions about my impact and whether my presence makes a difference. I constantly question as to whether I made the right choice in 2004.

These questions have become louder recently, especially over the last 18 months. I have witnessed global inaction regarding protecting innocent lives. This is a challenging reality. It is easy to succumb to despair, and it isn't easy to overcome it. Yet, it is one’s responsibility to do so. You must believe that every contribution counts, focusing on the lives you touch and the positive change you can help create.

I draw strength from the people I serve and collaborate with every day. I cherish the smiles that emerge when your interventions meet their basic needs, whether providing food, shelter, or emotional support. I am inspired by the resilience of those who lose everything yet stand firm in hope and with a smile. The unwavering spirit of individuals who dedicate their time and resources to help others energises me and reinforces my purpose. I find profound joy in the prayers of gratitude of those in need, knowing their voices are heard.

Being paid to do this work is an incredible honour and privilege. Muhammad Ali famously said, “Service is the rent you pay for a room on this earth,” I wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy. Along with the Qur’anic injunction that “if you save the life of one person, it would be as if you have saved the whole of humanity” (5:32), these statements have motivated my sustained commitment to this field for the past two decades.

Throughout my career, I have had the honour of traveling to numerous countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures and traditions. I have engaged with remarkable individuals, from heads of state and royalty to activists, writers, and everyday people. This experience has reinforced a powerful truth: at our core, we all share a common desire to improve our lives and the lives of our families. We all value our loved ones, and we naturally have fears about what we do not understand and who we do not know.

When we humanise one another and break down barriers, we uncover the reality that the “other” is navigating life the same way we are — step by step. This recognition represents a crucial breakthrough that fosters respect, acceptance and understanding. I firmly believe that authentic dialogue is essential for promoting trust and respect. While we may not always agree, we can create a safe and courageous space for open communication and learning.

There is strength in difference. Diversity is a fact; Inclusion is an act, and Belonging is an outcome. As we confront the complexities of our interconnected world, we must acknowledge that we cannot simply avoid one another. We are responsible for coexisting, supporting each other, and honouring our shared humanity. We must do more to ensure belonging and inclusion, but this does not mean acquiescence or compromise.

I’ve understood that personal and professional lives are intricately intertwined and embedded. There is no separation or professional/personal life balance. There is just life balance. Achieving a balance in life comes from what you make of it; you are judged for all you have done and how you have treated people in all aspects of life. How you show up in one part of life depends on other parts. Suppose you have had a bad day at home; this can happen at work and vice versa. You need to show up 100% in whatever you do, and that means that things are not in silos but connected. I have learnt that on your deathbed, the most important thing is about the people you touch, the relationships you build, the experiences you have, the kindness you display and the compassion you have in dealing with things.

Life (careers, personal, family) is like a mango tree. It must develop deep roots in the ground to ensure proper nutrients and a solid foundation, spreading the networks wide and getting influences from all over. A solid trunk is needed to act as an appropriate support to hold the weight of all the expectations. That trunk grows with time but needs the roots to feed it. The foliage and the branches spread far and wide, providing opportunities for sun and rain. The branches and leaves provide much-needed shelter, cover and comfort for those seeking it, especially during rain or extreme sun. The branches offer opportunities to climb to pick the fruit, yet you never climb vertically. To get to the top of the mango tree, you need to move up, come down or move sideways. This is what life is. Getting ahead in life is never a straight climb up a ladder. Lastly, like a mango tree, you must return fruit when a stone is thrown at it.

I am incredibly privileged to be working in a social movement alongside 17 million other people who passionately and sincerely believe in promoting human dignity for all, preventing and alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found, and not discriminating as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions using the tools of neutrality (to take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature) and independence through voluntary service, unity and universality. While these Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have been sorely tested and challenged, they remain essential as a north star and compass to navigate these difficult times. It is an honour to be part of the work of these individuals and others who conform daily to the code of conduct.

When I look back at the last 20 years, I can only ponder that it is through God’s grace that I have climbed the mango tree in the way I have. I am grateful to God for the opportunities and challenges (that have helped me grow) that have come my way. Without His Mercy, Guidance and Comfort (especially during some of the darkest times), I would not have made it through. I am grateful to my family and friends who are too numerous to cite by name, who have and continue to support me. Special shout out to my wife and son for their patience and support during these times, especially when I am away from home (supporting other families instead of mine). I am grateful to the guidance and mentorship of my late father (may God be pleased with him), on whose shoulders I stand, trying to push forward a vision of making the world a better place. I am grateful for the ongoing support and mentorship from my dear sister, Dr Jemilah Mahmood, who continues to support, inspire, and guide me. Is there any time I need to seek advice? I am also thankful for my spiritual guru, Rev Ebenezer Joseph, who routinely helps me appreciate and understand the role of faith in our work and helps me know that you can still do interfaith work without compromise. All that is needed is trust-building, dialogue and patience. He routinely reminds me of the need to pause and listen.

As I continue my journey, I remain confidently committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I come across — hoping that my work matters and that every small change contributes to a greater collective good. I am unsure where the next 20 years will take me, if I will be alive in the next 20 years, or whether the next branch of life I will climb will be like the last.

I am at a crossroads as I now ponder my legacy and what I want to leave my son and the world. I don’t know if the next 20 years will be focused on more humanitarian, peacebuilding or development work or something completely different. There are hopes and aspirations for what might be, but what will be is something for the future. I pray that whatever I do or wherever I go if I can help make the world slightly better than when I found it, this will be done my way.

This initially appeared here: 

Opinion: The limits of localization in the decolonization debate

Is localization the definitive solution to decolonization?

The concept of localization has been a prominent topic since the World Humanitarian Summit of 2016. Recently, it has been promoted as a progressive step toward decolonizing the development and humanitarian sector.

On the surface, localization in humanitarian response seems to enable meaningful engagement and leadership of local and national groups from the countries where programs are being implemented. The apparent aim of localization is to enhance capacity exchange, increase direct funding, and empower local groups to lead initiatives. However, while well-intentioned, localization is not the definitive solution to decolonization and does not address its deep-rooted issues.

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Whose Voice Counts? Young people in peace and security research

 Reflections from the OGIP Research Event

Oftentimes young people are sidelined from decision-making and knowledge production in important areas of peace and security. At the end of 2023, OGIP hosted a virtual event to discuss the theme: “Whose Voice Counts? Young people in peace and security research”. The event celebrated the vital role young people play in peace and security research, as well as highlighting the barriers to young people’s contributions. OGIP’s platform is a place for critically engaged research from young people aimed at disrupting 'traditional' methods and voices of research; creating a space for young people to catalyse change and progress in the field of peace and security through artwork, poetry, interviews, podcasts, writing, photography or storytelling.

OGIP research contributor Katrina Leclerc from the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) chaired the panel discussion. Katrina was joined by some excellent panellists and performers, including OGIP partners, Dr. Amjad Saleem from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Briana Mawby from the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, and Dr. Manal Benani from Sustainable Cooperation for Youth Peace and Security. OGIP research contributors, Marie-Jeanne Kenji Maghoma from LAGO and Nikita Yasmin Shah from Hyphen Poetry spoke and performed at the event showcasing some of the incredible research published in partnership with OGIP.

This blog is a reflection of some of the key themes discussed at the event, including the importance of diversity in youth research, co-creation and intergenerational research solutions and the challenges young people face in peace and security research

Reflections from panellist and performer, Nikita Shah

The event asked us to reflect on the important question of ‘Whose Voice Counts?’ in the context of young people in peace and security research. I found the event insightful and inspiring; hearing from peers and engaging in a meaningful exchange.

The discussions as part of the panel demonstrated the need to push beyond discussions of inclusivity and diversity and towards equity, equitable relationships and transformational change. The panel reflected on some important questions: how are we shifting power? how are we making space for others to take power? whose voices are we listening to?

Underpinning these questions is one more - ‘Why?’ To transform power we must continue to question who is visible, whose voice is heard and why we get to hear from some people and not others. Asking these questions will allow us to remove barriers. In the context of research, to achieve this transformational change we must think about who has access, who can contribute, who sets the research agenda, and what methodologies are being used to conduct research. Two ideas put forward by the panellists were the co-creation of research within the community and using story-telling as research.

During the event we considered whether there are more inclusive approaches that allow us to reconsider what knowledge looks like outside Western concepts of empirical evidence. One of the panellists, Amjad, highlighted that whilst research has traditionally focused on achieving the outcomes set by researchers, it is also important to consider what the barriers to access or parameters for inclusion/exclusion are. Research can be conducted in a manner that is not extractive, exploitative or inconvenient to local communities. It is important to break down power dynamics and enable research participants to become co-creators. This includes allowing them to set research agendas, as well as decide methodologies.

Another of the panellists, Maghoma, spoke about the role of storytelling and narratives in more equitable research. Creating space for vulnerability is a prerequisite to building trust and a safe space for people to share their lived experiences and their histories, and to create and grow culture. Storytelling techniques offer an opportunity for connection and a breakdown of power. Amjad added that this work requires humility. Co-creative and interventional solutions can often uncover complexities and details that do not fit traditional researchers' frameworks and tools of analysis. Some research methods require a trauma-informed approach, as well as practises that centre healing and rest. For many researchers and co-creators, this type of work bears a large emotional cost. Such deep work requires proper resourcing and support and should not be treated like a trend.

Towards the end of the event, I had the opportunity to recite my poem ‘Tonight we rest’ a product of my research project with OGIP. Tonight We Rest was an effort to capture the lived experiences of the Global Majority of Self-Identifying Women whilst they fought for justice, equity and liberation in their personal and professional lives within the sector. As I recited the words, I realised that these words, these messages, and these experiences still rang true so long after the original publication. Poetry, like many art forms, offers an opportunity to capture the feelings and emotions of people and to convey these through creative means so others can also experience and find meaning. Storytelling, in the form of poetry, art, music, movement or other allows us to really question ‘Whose voice matters?’.

Reflections from panellist and performer, Amjad

When I was asked to speak on this panel on the subject of inclusion and young people in peace and security, I reflected on the challenges posed by the topic and the difficulty of making meaningful change. I wanted to demonstrate that diversity is a positive disrupting force, particularly in the youth space. It provides opportunities for different ideas to be brought to the peace and security agenda. It helps us to realise that we are much more than a label; that our plurality and diversity are not divisive elements, but a celebration of an understanding of common humanity and universal principles. Being more inclusive allows us to engage with our communities in a different way - forging connections that go beyond superficial interactions.

Through inclusive action, we create a sense of belonging, support, and collaboration. We tap into the collective wisdom and energy that can drive change. Yet, as our discussions surmised, this can be difficult if there is no willingness to accept or understand that Intergenerational dialogue is about passing the baton. It must be about creating a space to dialogue, build trust and, above all, listen. We must listen to the voices of our communities, to the stories of those who are often unheard. We need to understand their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. Intergenerational dialogue is also about collaboration. No one person or organisation can solve all the world's problems alone. Collaboration is the multiplier of impact. When we come together, we can pool our resources, knowledge, and creativity to tackle challenges head-on.

The Global Youth Mobilisation initiative of the Big 6 Alliance - of which IFRC is a member - is an example of how we can create spaces for co-creation with young people and intergenerational dialogue. It allows us to create safe spaces for the sharing of ideas but also provides agency for young people to think of innovative solutions to local problems.

Events like these discussions are important to share these ideas and knowledge between different stakeholders. By creating these forums, we ensure best practices are exchanged and networks are created.

Summary from the OGIP Team

Thank you Nikita and Amjad for taking the time to write on the blog about your reflection on the event and thank you to our panellists and participants that made the event a success. If you would like to hear more about the themes of inclusive action, co-creation of research and inter-generational solutions to issues in peace security, then you can listen back to the podcast of the panel event here.

If you were inspired by what you have read here and want to be involved in youth-led research that pushes for transformational change, we would love for you to be involved in OGIP’s research moving forward.

The two performances in the event were pieces created as part of previous OGIP Research Series. Our first performance was from Kenji Maghoma titled Rhythm and Legislation. This piece explores migration stories and reflects on the role culture plays in both conflict and peace building. The second performance was Nikitah Shah’s ‘Tonight we rest’ which reflects on the importance and benefit of rest. This piece speaks from the collective voice of self - identifying women of colour of varying ages and profession.

OGIP is excited to announce the start of our fourth Research series, and we are inviting our community to join us on this journey. If you are passionate about research, we need your ideas and perspectives to make impactful, transformative research. We are asking our communities to help us choose a research theme for the series so that our community can deep dive on a topic that is important to us all. Please suggest a theme here before the 30th of June 2024.

Biographies of contributors

Nikita Yasmin Shah is the founder of Hyphen Poetry which focuses on creative facilitation, research, evaluation and somatic healing. She is also a poet and dancer and has bridged her practice of art and professional work to develop a creative decolonial lens. Nikita is an OGIP research contributor and will be performing some of her work later in the event.

Dr. Amjad Saleem is the manager of the Volunteer, Youth and Education Development Unit at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Geneva, a global team focused on volunteering management, youth innovation and engagement, and education programming.

This originally appeared here

Reaffirming the Role of the Movement as a Factor of Peace

Condensing into words the current geopolitical challenges of our times and the resulting human suffering around the world seems an impossible task; attempting to find the right adjectives can feel like an exercise in sensationalism or cynicism. Yet there are important trends that must be articulated to put the topic of this article into context and perspective. Nations continue to grapple with diverging interests, economic disparities, territorial disputes and ideological rifts, and tensions easily escalate, exposing the fragility in our institutions and societies. In a new paper, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has identified alarming trends showing an upsurge in both international and non-international armed conflicts since the 1990s, most notably a tripling in non-international armed conflicts since 2000.[1] Escalating levels of violence and insecurity disrupt societies, amplifying existing vulnerabilities and eroding public trust in local and international institutions – and their trust in each other. The 2023 Global Peace Index highlights just how susceptible nations are to external shocks, such as pandemics, economic upheavals and climate emergencies, which further exacerbate the impacts of armed conflicts and violence. The Movement is devastated by the increasing human suffering it witnesses around the world and feels it is a critical moment for us, as part of the international community, to return to an ever-present question: what is the connection between humanitarian action and the pursuit of peace?

There has long been a perceived tension between humanitarian action and peace work. This is understandable, given that the principles of neutrality and independence limit how far humanitarians can engage in the deeply political process of peacebuilding. At the same time, peace has always been a humanitarian imperative. There is no more effective way to address human suffering caused by conflict and violence than to work to end it. Throughout its history, the Movement has therefore carefully examined and debated its distinctive contribution to peace, which derives from its deep and lasting commitment to the overarching principles of humanity and respect for dignity. Indeed, over the past hundred years, the Movement has embraced nearly as many resolutions and documents pertaining to peace.[2]

In response to the overwhelming and ever-rising humanitarian impacts of armed conflicts and disasters, and the resulting vulnerabilities, the Movement must renew its efforts to contribute to conflict resolution and prevention in the ways set out in the Statutes and the mandates of its components: nurturing humanitarian values through education, promoting the understanding of and respect for IHL, engaging local youth and fostering multilateral cooperation. These endeavours are pivotal in promoting respect for the human dignity of all people, mitigating the risks of violence, discrimination and exclusion and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Peace has always been a core value for the Movement. Its motto Per humanitatem ad pacem – through humanity to peace – underscores its dedication to promoting peace as the ultimate goal for all societies and the condition necessary for human suffering to be truly alleviated. The Movement’s Statutes assert that “by its humanitarian work and the dissemination of its ideals, the Movement promotes a lasting peace”, defining “lasting peace” as not the mere absence of war but a dynamic process of cooperation rooted in respect for freedom, independence, national sovereignty, equality, human rights and equitable resource distribution to meet people’s needs. The process is founded on the Fundamental Principles and underpinned by a universal sense of solidarity toward those in need of protection and assistance. The Movement’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation and humanitarian values has continued to evolve throughout its extensive history.

The Movement remains steadfast in its dedication to seeking the positive and constructive resolution of issues, tensions and violence. This commitment has been echoed in various resolutions and pledges at Statutory Meetings over recent decades. The current resolution touches on some of the key elements that make up the Movement’s unique contribution in this area, including promoting IHL, supporting local community leadership and engagement and acknowledging the importance of youth and volunteerism, according to the specific and complementary mandates of the different Movement components. It also encourages further reflection and evidence-gathering to better understand the impacts of these efforts for peace. The 2024 Council of Delegates provides a timely opportunity for the Movement to return to and reaffirm its commitment to supporting peace and resilience as the world’s largest humanitarian network. 

this originally appeared here