Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives – Details, episodes & analysis

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Questioning visuals in humanitarian communications and fundraising in light of localisation and AI.

The use of images is crucial in the way we communicate especially in the humanitarian sector where an image is truly "worth a thousand words", many emotions, conversations and storage for historic information.

In this episode Deborah Adesina (Debby), Doctoral Scholar at the University of Liverpool and David Girling, Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, UK both co-leads of the Charity Advertising Research Series hold a light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversation on the use of generative AI images as an option for humanitarian campaigns. 

Nwabundo Okoh, Comms and Marketing Lead at the HLA approaches the conversation through the lens of David and Debby's in-depth research pieces and follow-up articles on the analysis of UK charity visual communications in direct mail campaigns and the analysis of charity advertising supporting international causes in UK national newspapers. Asking how/if generative AI images might be considered now or in the future. 

Debbie quoting Susan Sontag says that “the problem isn’t that people remember through photographs but they remember only the photographs” 

Listen now to hear David and Debbie's fresh perspectives on findings from their research; why knowing your 'why' is so important; how humanitarians can consider navigating the use of AI for images, what to be aware of and more

Keywords: Localisation, Ethical storytelling, International development, Poverty, Fundraising, Humanitarian communication, Photography, AI, Education, Co-creation, Authenticity

Speakers: David Girling, Associate Professor, School of Global Development - University of East Anglia, UK | Deborah Adesina, Doctoral Scholar, University of Liverpool | Read their full profiles and find more information here: To AI or not to AI: a humanitarian comms conversation - Humanitarian Leadership Academy

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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How can experimentation and collaboration bridge the gap between humanitarian AI aspirations and reality? 

Our recent AI research conducted in partnership with Data Friendly Space highlighted infrastructural constraints and risk tolerance as major barriers to AI adoption. In this fifth instalment of our six-part Humanitarian AI podcast series, we explore how Rwanda's innovation ecosystem offers practical lessons for the humanitarian sector.

We're delighted to welcome Deogratius Kiggudde, Programme Manager for The Upanzi Network at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Kigali. Deogratius sits down with Ka Man Parkinson and shares his experiences of working with open-source community-centred tech and AI in Rwanda's innovation ecosystem and beyond.

Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation on AI implementation, including:

• Deogratius’ experience of working within Rwanda's experimentation culture
• The potential of small language models for humanitarian AI
• The power of community-driven open-source tech
• Insight into real-world connectivity solutions
• Plus, Deogratius answers community questions.

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios, episode transcript and supporting links:

https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/humanitarian-ai-podcast-series-localising-ai-solutions-practitioner-experiences-from-rwanda

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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على المائدة ام على القائمة؟ المستجيبون الاوائل في طليعة العمل الانساني

البراء البشير و نهال الزاكي في محادثة مع مصعب الهادي و مقدمة قصيرة من نانسي
تُسلّط هذه الحلقة، "على المائدة ام على القائمة؟" ، الضوء على العاملين في المجال الإنساني الذين كانوا في الخطوط الأمامية للاستجابة في السودان.

"لا تأتي إليّ بنهجك الفوقي. بصفتي مُستجيبًا أوليًا أو متطوعًا ميدانيًا، وبصفتي فردًا بحاجة إلى هذه الخدمة، دعني أُريك ما أريده بالضبط." - نهال الزاكي، منظمة ريما - دنقلا، الولاية الشمالية

تُسلّط هذه المُحادثة الضوء على الأصوات المحلية في صميم الحوار الإنساني. يدور النقاش حول كيفية تنظيم المُستجيبين الأوائل لأنفسهم خلال الأزمة، والتحديات التي واجهوها، وطبيعة الدعم الذي تلقّوه، والقضايا النظامية التي لا تزال تُهمّشهم من دوائر صنع القرار. المُحادثة باللغة العربية مع مُقدّمة باللغة الإنجليزية.

يتوفر نص المُحادثة والفيديو هنا.

This episode "At the Table or On the Menu?" features humanitarians who have been on the frontlines of the response in Sudan. 

"Don't come to me with your top-down approach. As a first responder or as a volunteer on the ground, and as an individual who needs this service, let me show you what I want exactly." - Nihal Al-Zaki, Rima Organisation - Dongola, Northern State

This conversation is bringing local voices to the center of the humanitarian dialogue. The discussion revolves around how first responders organised themselves during the crisis, the challenges they faced, the nature of support they received, and the systemic issues that continue to sideline them from decision-making spaces. The conversation is in Arabic with an introduction in English. 

An English transcription is available in text and video here

Speakers
Nancy Mureti, Nihal Al-Zaki, Al-Baraa Bashir | Host Musaab Alhadi

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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How can you stay connected to your 'why' as a humanitarian leader during these challenging times?

💬 "Whatever it is that you do, if you're not doing it with a full heart... something needs to change." - Foutoun Khalil

Tune in to an inspiring conversation with two remarkable women navigating leadership in today's challenging humanitarian landscape. Ka Man Parkinson speaks to Foutoun Khalil, Head of Awards at Save the Children Lebanon, as she shares her bold career transition from architecture to humanitarian work, and Lydia Sparrow, humanitarian coach and programme lead of the Women in Leadership Network, as she discusses supporting 1,200+ women globally.

Discover the Japanese concept of ikigai, and learn how women are creating safe spaces for connection, overcoming isolation in leadership roles, and building networks of support across cultures and contexts.

From Lebanon's multiple crises to global aid cuts, this episode explores how women leaders are staying grounded in their purpose while adapting to unprecedented challenges. You'll come away with practical wisdom on finding your cheerleaders, leading with your whole self, and passing support forward to others.

This episode is a must-listen for women in leadership, humanitarian professionals, anyone seeking purpose-driven career insights, and those interested in building supportive professional networks.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and shownotes including the conversation transcript.

https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/womens-leadership-in-turbulent-times-celebrating-solidarity-purpose-and-ikigai/

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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A mini episode of Fresh Humanitarian Perspectives from Humanitarian Xchange Kampala. Communications and Marketing Specialist Nwabundo Okoh speaks with Joyce Nyaboga, Senior Network Development Advisor - Start Network; Dr. Atif Shdad, Emergency Response Rooms - Sudan; Huseyin Arslan, Consultant - Save the Children International and Nancy Mureti, Head of Regional Centers - Humanitarian Leadership Academy. 

In this episode, hear reflections on some topics shared at the energizing conference - capacity sharing, the humanitarian nexus, youth leadership and reflections on HX from London, Gaziantep, Iraq to Kampala. 

The Humanitarian Xchange Kampala held on 26th and 27th June 2025.

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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How can technology support dignified, community-led humanitarian action?

Continuing a thematic exploration of humanitarian tech, Ka Man Parkinson speaks with Layma Murtaza and Safi Noorzai from Aseel – a social enterprise reimagining how aid can work through digital innovation, local leadership and global connection.

This is a conversation about systems change from the ground up: the power of coalitions, the urgency of new funding models, and why centring people – not just products or platforms – is essential to meaningful impact.

💬 “I think dignified aid would change a lot – so fully owned and driven by the communities we serve.” – Safi Noorzai

💬 “So if you’re actually dreaming of change… make sure you stay human and continue to build with love, because the world really needs your voice and vision…” – Layma Murtaza

Tune in to hear real-world insights and hands-on inspiration for community-centred solutions, digital innovations, and evolving humanitarian approaches in Afghanistan and beyond.

To access speaker bios and the conversation transcript, please visit the episode webpage: www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/coalition-building-for-impact-people-tech-humanitarian-futures-in-afghanistan-and-beyond/

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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Ka Man Parkinson is joined by Lucy Hall from the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Madigan Johnson from Data Friendly Space to discuss a landmark joint survey on AI adoption in the humanitarian sector.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is currently being used, what future potential it holds, and why this research is so vital. No matter where you are in the humanitarian eco-system - whether you're an early adopter or new to AI - your voice is essential in shaping how it supports humanitarian work.

Tune in to learn more about this first-of-its-kind study and how your input through the survey can help map current practice and guide the sector’s responsible and effective use of AI in the future.

Take the survey by 20 June 2025.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios and links to the resources highlighted during this conversation.

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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How can academic research shape humanitarian action?

This is the question at the heart of today's insightful discussion between two Education in Emergencies (EiE) colleagues from Save the Children International. 

Casey Pearson (EiE Technical Learning Specialist) sits down with Rafka Daoud (EiE Professional Development Programme Manager) to explore the critical connections between education, training and research, drawing on insights from Rafka’s recent doctoral research in Lebanon. 

Rafka shares her journey of researching higher education reform in Lebanese private universities, offering a unique perspective on how academic inquiry can inform and reshape real-world practice. 

From the challenges of balancing a full-time role with a doctorate to the broader implications of her findings for both education and humanitarian sectors, this conversation highlights how research can act as a catalyst to drive meaningful change.

This episode is a must-listen for research practitioners and advocates in the humanitarian and development space.

Visit the episode webpage for shownotes including speaker bios and a link to Rafka's research.

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

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In this thought-provoking episode, Ka Man Parkinson speaks to Dr Cornelia C. Walther to hear her expert take on the implications of AI for humanitarians - and the actions we can take today to keep abreast of developments.

Cornelia's experience positions her as an insightful and authoritative thought leader in this space: a former humanitarian leader with over 20 years of experience at UNICEF, she is now a Wharton/University of Pennsylvania fellow pioneering research on hybrid intelligence and prosocial AI.

In this discussion, Cornelia introduces us to the concept of ‘double literacy’: the mutual influence between artificial and human intelligence - and the dual fluency needed to navigate both. Cornelia explains how understanding AI algorithms and adapting your mindset can help you curate your own AI, gaining deeper insights into both the technology and your own thinking.

Explore how developing this mindset can drive innovation in the humanitarian sector - empowering practitioners to use AI intentionally, stay grounded in ethics, and adapt with clarity in fast-changing contexts.

Tune in for new ways to rethink your AI approach and lead with purpose in the face of rapid societal and technological change.

Visit the episode webpage for speaker bios, links and discussion transcript:
https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/double-literacy-harnessing-ai-for-humanitarians-and-social-change/

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations. 

Send us Fan Mail

How can you shape a meaningful and purpose-driven career in the humanitarian sector and beyond? 

Tune in to this episode to glean insights from Ana Lucia Villagran, a Learning Solutions Specialist at HLA’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Centre from Guatemala, and Selim Uysal, an independent humanitarian consultant and trainer from Türkiye, now based in Germany. 

Ana Lucia and Selim share their personal journeys of discovering purpose in their careers that have spanned the commercial world and academia, before transitions into the development and humanitarian sectors. Together with host Ka Man Parkinson, they discuss:

·       Navigating career transitions 

·       Developing essential skills such as communication, creativity, critical thinking and adaptability

·       Maintaining resilience and a sense of purpose in turbulent and uncertain times

Whether you're just beginning your career, managing a transition or simply seeking professional inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights.

Read the speaker bios and shownotes on the episode webpage:
https://www.humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources/shaping-impact-driven-careers-stories-of-purpose-resilience-and-growth/

Thanks for listening. Please help us to grow this podcast by subscribing and leaving a review on the platform you're listening from. Thank you! For more resources for the humanitarian community, visit humanitarianleadershipacademy.org/resources

The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.