From Ukraine to the Global Stage: Open Space Works Ukraine at HNPW Geneva

We’re looking forward to joining the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks (HNPW) in Geneva next week — one of the key global spaces for dialogue on localisation, partnerships, and the future of humanitarian action. More information on HNPW here https://vosocc.unocha.org/Report.aspx?page=o0t9pExuBwMwml9Wkc49cgxxxequalxxxequal 

This year, Open Space Works Ukraine will contribute insights from our research work on locally-led humanitarian action, bringing perspectives from Ukraine into the broader debate on power, agency, and system reform.

Unsettling the Status Quo: The Case for Locally Led Humanitarian Research

10 March | 10:00–11:30 UTC | CICG Geneva & online

Co-convened by OSWU with the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, this panel brings together Tamara Low (HLA), Umut Guner (KAOS), Kai Hopkins (ELRHA) and Maryana Zaviyska (OSWU). We will discuss why locally led research is critical to shifting power — and what it takes to move beyond extractive knowledge practices in humanitarian action.

Online - https://lnkd.in/eFCnYpT8 | In person - https://lnkd.in/dcCNcxuh

 “Cementing Inequality” or “Ahead of the Curve”? Localisation and Humanitarian Reset – Lessons from Ukraine

 10 March | 16:00–17:30 UTC | CICG Geneva & online

Hosted by ActionAid, this discussion will reflect on how narratives around Ukraine’s humanitarian response have evolved over the past year. We will explore power, risk, trust, financing, and the post-colonial dimensions of localisation — asking whether Ukraine represents a genuine shift in agency, or a repackaging of existing power structures.

 A Call to Action for Youth Leadership and the Future of Humanitarian Action

 12 March | 13:00–14:30 UTC | CICG Geneva & online

Together with Jennifer Dias – HLA, Olha Shevchuk-Kliuzheva – Alliance UA CSO, Mercedes G. Garciaía – Save the Children International, Maryana Zaviyska from Open Space Works Ukraine will share insights from our study on youth engagement in humanitarian action in Ukraine — and reflect on what meaningful youth leadership requires in practice.

Join online - https://lnkd.in/eg-5SwVG | In-person - https://lnkd.in/d9HACsVs