Doha: Qatar Charity (QC) hosted a panel session titled "Humanitarian Coordination: Complementing VS Competing Actions on the Field," as part of the Humanitarian Leadership Conference held under the theme: "Transformative Leadership in Times of Polycrisis".
According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day Humanitarian Leadership Conference was jointly organized by the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies (CHS) and the Center for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) at Australia's Deakin University.
The panel session explored the gap between humanitarian theory and field practice, emphasizing the importance of coordination with local governments and communities for effective action. During the session, speakers stressed the need to balance operational and implementing partners in both competitive and complementary roles. Data sharing was deemed essential, particularly in fragmented contexts like Gaza. Moreover, localization was strongly advocated, with a call to empower Global South organizations. Proposals included multi-year, regionally driven solutions to overcome legal and procedural hurdles in humanitarian response.
During his welcome note, Director of External Affairs at QC, Mana Mohammed Al Ansari said: "The world is facing an increasing number of crises whether driven by conflict, natural disasters, or other emergencies. In these moments, effective coordination among humanitarian actors is not just beneficial it is essential. Well-coordinated action ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable in a timely, efficient, and impactful manner." In turn, Director of Humanitarian Operations at QC, Aisha Abdulrazzaq Al Kuwari noted the importance of humanitarian coordination, highlighting the lessons learned from Gaza.
For his part, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the State of Qatar, Ahmed Mohsen emphasized that humanitarian coordination requires more than just theoretical frameworks it demands proactive and flexible responses on the ground. Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer at UNHCR Qatar, Maria Hatem emphasized the importance of collaboration grounded in equality, transparency, and results, adding: "At UNHCR, we work with various actors in refugee and IDP situations, ensuring a unified approach."