Fletcher Celebrates World Humanitarian Day 2022
On this date 19 years ago, a bomb blast ripped through the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killing 22 humanitarian aid workers. The blast was a horrific reminder of the dangers facing humanitarian aid workers around the globe who dedicate their lives to assisting those most in need.
Five years later, the United Nations designated August 19 World Humanitarian Day as an opportunity to reflect upon the service and sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people dedicated to emergency response efforts worldwide.
In recognition of this year’s World Humanitarian Day, we spoke with six members of the Fletcher alumni community, all of whom have applied their field and classroom training to careers centered on advancing humanitarian action in an increasingly complex world.
Showcasing Fletcher alumni on World Humanitarian Day 2022
Sasha Chanoff, MAHA 04
Founder and CEO, RefugePoint
Sasha Chanoff discusses his organization’s goals to significantly transform humanitarian response systems to better address the needs of refugees around the world. Read more
Teddy Atim, MAHA 08
Visiting Fellow, Feinstein International Center
With more than 15 years of experience working with children, women, and families affected by armed conflict, killings, sexual violence and more, Teddy Atim understands the most difficult aspects of life for humanitarian workers. Read more
Abdal Monium Osman, MAHA 00
FAO Office of Emergency and Resilience, Rome, Italy
Abdal Monium Osman talks about the many hats he has worn and the many responsibilities he has shouldered during his years working to bring relief to those in crisis situations. Read more
Ahmed Khalif, MAHA 21
County Director, Action Against Hunger in Somalia
Ahmed Khalif explains how his job involves ensuring the safety of his team of humanitarian workers, a burden he does not carry lightly. Read more
Abdifatah Mohamud, MAHA 21
Executive Director, Lifeline Gedo (LLG) in Somalia
Abdifatah Mohamood, who grew up in Somalia and has worked in humanitarian contexts in a range of operational positions for almost a decade, shares a bit about the challenges of humanitarian work. Read more
Paul George, MAHA 18
Grants Partnership Coordinator for ACF in Jordan
Paul George shares his perspective about how, as the Syrian crisis grows, life on the ground for humanitarian workers becomes more difficult. Read more