We welcome Halima Begum’s article and the important challenge it sets out for the international development sector (The dinosaurs of international aid must adapt or die – their expensive era is over, 22 May). There is much that we at Oxfam agree upon.
The need for change goes far beyond large international NGOs. The whole system must evolve, including international NGOs, governments, donors, funders and multilateral institutions, if we are serious about shifting power and resources closer to communities.
We too have been calling for radical reform of the aid system, including locally led development, more flexible funding for local partners, and genuinely equitable partnerships, and there are living examples of this through the Women’s Rights Fund.
Many across the sector have been advocating for this change for decades. The role of INGOs must continue to evolve, including the role played by UK-based organisations within global networks. That means listening more, sharing power more effectively, and ensuring that local organisations and communities are leading decision-making.
There has rarely been greater humanitarian need. From South Sudan – where about half the population is estimated to need humanitarian assistance, to conflict in Yemen and outbreaks of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, communities continue to face immense challenges driven by conflict, displacement, poverty and climate shocks. These crises demonstrate why international solidarity and humanitarian action still matter deeply.
International NGOs still have an important role to play – whether through convening, campaigning, humanitarian response, influencing policy or mobilising public support and resources at scale. The challenge is not whether change is needed, but how we collectively accelerate it in ways that strengthen solidarity and deliver greater impact for communities.
For more than 80 years, Oxfam has adapted to meet the challenges of its time. We remain committed to continuing that journey of innovation, partnership and reform.
Richard Hawkes
CEO, Oxfam GB