Drawing on the voices of more than 260 practitioners across the Global South, the research challenges the assumption that aid revolves around a single central system. Instead, it points to multiple overlapping ecosystems – grounded in trust, relationships, legitimacy, and local knowledge – that remain structurally undervalued.

Framing from Hibak Kalfan, NEAR Executive Director, and core findings presented by Vijayalakshmi Viswanathan, NEAR Flagship Research Lead, will anchor a candid exchange across the ecosystem:

• Loreine Dela Cruz – Executive Director, Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) Foundation, Philippines
• Lorenzo Suárez – Policy Advisor, Government of Switzerland, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
• Kehinde Togun – Managing Director, Public Engagement & Partnerships, Humanity United Foundation
• Meg Sattler – Director, Ground Truth Solutions

Moderated by Lina Srivastava, systems thinker and Interim Executive Director of Proximate Press. At a moment when aid financing is contracting and institutional confidence is wavering, this conversation will focus on what must actually change – in behaviour, incentives, and power – over the next 12 months.