The humanitarian system is in deep upheaval: once rooted in a common ethical framework, it now faces fragmented political responsibility, politicization, donor withdrawal, shrinking access, and erosion of humanitarian law. As humanitarian actors abandon those they claimed to help, credibility and legitimacy erode—undermining humanity itself and the system’s original purpose.

In light of these pressing challenges, the Humanitarian Congress Berlin 2026 – now set for April and from 2026 onward held every spring – will provide a space to confront these dynamics through critical openness, structural self-reflection, and shared accountability.To advance this effort and expand the congress community, we are delighted to welcome Oxfam Germany and The New Humanitarian as new long-term partners alongside Médecins Sans Frontières, Médecins du Monde, and the German Red Cross.