Leader Reflection: Resilience now more than ever

Mesfin Loha, Country Director of World Vision in South Sudan, reflects on the current state of the humanitarian sector, which is marked by profound uncertainty and rapid change. He notes what is required for leaders to steer their teams to remain committed to serving and saving lives, especially in such a time as this. The humanitarian reset is real, and its impact is unfolding day by day.

The humanitarian sector is at a pivotal moment. It is facing an existential, course-altering situation, requiring us, humanitarian workers and leaders, to remain agile while staying true to the core of our mandate: humanitarian work is about saving lives.

The convergence of global funding cuts and the growing discourse around a "humanitarian reset" amid escalating needs has placed many organisations and aid workers at a crossroads. Reforms and restructuring efforts are underway across the sector—and their impact is unfolding day by day. Beyond operational challenges, these changes are taking a significant emotional toll on humanitarian workers.

For frontline humanitarian workers, who continue to confront deepening needs and dwindling resources, this is a season of uncertainty. It is also a period that demands deep reflection, strategic realignment, and fundamental reform to ensure our work remains relevant and focused on what truly matters.

Amid the turmoil, the humanitarian imperative and principled responses to the urgent needs of the most vulnerable must remain high on the agenda. These must remain non-negotiable. Responding to the urgent needs of the most vulnerable—with principle and integrity—must stay at the forefront. Meeting today’s challenges requires concerted effort from all stakeholders, guided by a people-centred approach.

This year's World Humanitarian Day theme, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” is both timely and essential. It underscores the urgent need for global collaboration to be deeply linked and rooted in community empowerment. 

We honour the humanitarian workers who continue to make extraordinary sacrifices. We stand in solidarity with all those who are boldly pushing boundaries and drawing lines for dignity, justice, and peace, even when these ideals feel out of reach. We especially remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and celebrate community-based first responders who take courageous action to save lives, even when their own safety is at risk.