Dialogue event
Resetting the Humanitarian system & the role of cash assistance
Last month the Cash Hub hosted a crucial dialogue event that brought together leaders and CVA colleagues from across the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in a discussion on how we can learn from our experiences and co-create the agenda for cash in the Humanitarian Reset. Discover key insights by reading the summary report and watch the session recordings.
Event overview
The time is now for a total reset of the humanitarian system. We need to better serve people increasingly affected by crisis—crises that are being deepened by poverty, economic instability, conflict, and climate change.
Reform of humanitarian assistance has long been discussed, including shifts brought about through the Grand Bargain. But the current funding crisis demands that we change further—and faster. This change must lead to better outcomes. We need to find ways to deliver greater impact for crisis-affected people and stretch limited resources further.
Most people prefer cash. It enables choice, supports local markets, and offers a far more cost-efficient way to meet lifesaving and survival needs. Cash also helps strengthen people’s resilience over the long term.
This event convened leaders and CVA practitioners from across the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement to reflect on these challenges and co-create a way forward—placing cash at the heart of the Humanitarian Reset.
Session 1 | Welcome & Panel Presentation: Leading a humanitarian reset
With a welcome from British Red Cross CEO Béatrice Butsana-Sita, the first panel session focused on whether the current moment is a genuine humanitarian reset or merely a push to do more with less. All speakers positioned CVA as a core enabler of a more accountable, efficient, and people-centred aid system.
Session 2 | Panel Presentation: Transforming aid through cash assistance
This session showcased how local actors are not only delivering cash assistance but also reshaping what humanitarian leadership means. One example highlighted a cash-for-livelihoods programme that helped revitalise a bombed-out neighbourhood in Homs by supporting over 300 small businesses.
Session 3 | Join the Dialogue: Perspectives and feedback
The final panel explored what the wider system must do to make cash central to humanitarian reform. Key principles included centring affected people and local actors, prioritising sustainable solutions like cash, local planning and funding, investment in IHL and conflict prevention, and stronger links with development and climate actors.
Closing remarks | Agenda for action
Closing remarks from the Cash team and guests who joined the event
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