Sarah Hilding der Weduwen, Head of Office at OCHA Ukraine: Humanitarian aid must address the people’s needs to the maximum extent possible
Sarah Hilding der Weduwen, Head of Office at OCHA Ukraine, stressed the importance of a deep understanding of local specificity to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war effectively. Sarah Hilding der Weduwen raised this and other issues during the panel discussion “Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ukraine” during the Dialogue: «Relief for War-Affected Population: Efficiency in Collaboration.» The event concluded the “Relief for Ukraine: Support Ecosystem for Ukrainians” Program implemented by Aspen Institute Kyiv, initiated by CORE Response.
It is crucial to understand what people need
The ultimate beneficiaries of humanitarian organizations’ activities are those needing assistance. It is essential to hear their voices, Sarah Hilding der Weduwen said.
Sarah Hilding der Weduwen highlighted the importance of involving local actors in humanitarian response.
“To respond to humanitarian needs effectively, one must understand the region’s specificity, as each situation is very different. Organizations on the ground know it much better. Therefore, involving them in the existing architecture of humanitarian aid is very important,” she added.
Ms. Sarah emphasizes the importance of combining formal and informal coordination mechanisms to provide humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible. As well as exchange experiences. “Such coordination will mean that the architecture of humanitarian response operates with all available capacities,” said Sarah Hilding der Weduwen.
Limited funding requires prioritizing needs
Regarding humanitarian response funding, Ms. Sarah noted, “We must continue to advocate for the necessity of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. And it’s not just about the quantity but the quality. This year, approximately $3.1 billion is needed to address humanitarian response needs. If we receive them, we will be able to do everything planned. If not, we will have to prioritize needs.”
If you want to help everyone, you won’t help anyone
Ms. Sarah stressed that prioritizing needs is one of the most challenging stages in humanitarian response.
“Prioritization should depend on the criticality of needs. First, we make a list of needs we can address from our side, and then we plan to fund,” explained Sarah Hilding der Weduwen.
Andriy Kulakov, Program Coordinator of the Aspen Institute Kyiv Community, moderated the discussion.
The “Relief for Ukraine: Support Ecosystem for Ukrainians” Program is implemented by Aspen Institute Kyiv, initiated by CORE Response.
