UCL Political Science Events

Overseas Aid and Humanitarian & Disaster Relief

Episode Summary

Recorded in December 2025, this Policy and Practice Seminar examines the future of international humanitarian aid in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. It explores how long-standing aid systems—traditionally used to support vulnerable communities and foster international cooperation—are being disrupted by major funding cuts, including the dismantling of USAID, alongside reduced commitments from other donor countries. The discussion also addresses growing barriers to aid delivery in conflict zones and the implications of these pressures for global humanitarian response. Bringing together experts from major NGOs, global health, and international policy, the panel considers how humanitarian assistance must adapt to remain effective, equitable, and sustainable. Speakers include Moazzam Malik, Sameer Sah, and Pablo Soriano Mena.

Episode Notes

In a rapidly evolving landscape of humanitarian assistance, what is the future for international aid? 

Humanitarian aid has long served as a vital tool to deliver relief to vulnerable communities and develop geopolitical goodwill globally. However, the future of international aid now faces unprecedented uncertainty. The dismantling of USAID, the United States’ flagship aid delivery agency, has sent shockwaves through the global aid ecosystem, contributing to funding cuts in the UK and casting doubt on the sustainability of international assistance programs. At the same time, increasing restrictions on access and the deliberate obstruction of aid in conflict zones threaten to deepen human suffering worldwide.

Our panel of experts explore the evolving landscape of humanitarian assistance and address key questions about the future of international aid.

Meet the speakers

• Moazzam Malik, CEO of  Save the Children UK . Moazzam joined Save the Children UK as CEO in January 2025. He served as UK Ambassador to Indonesia for five years and as Director General, first at the Department for International Development (DfID) and then at the merged Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
• Sameer Sah, Director of Programmes, Medical Aid for Palestine. He led MAP’s first emergency medical technician mission into Gaza in December 2023 and spearheaded the organisation’s humanitarian response efforts from the UK. Coming to MAP with a background in public and global health, he has worked in over 35 countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and South and Central America. In February 2025, he was awarded a Humanitarian Medal by His Majesty King Charles.  
• Pablo Soriano Mena, Public Policy manager at Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Pablo is an international policy expert, economist, and former UN diplomat with extensive experience in development finance and global governance. He has negotiated major UN resolutions on the SDGs, debt sustainability, and international development, and currently leads Public Policy at CAFOD. His work focuses on advocacy for economic and climate justice, enhancing local voice, leadership, and agency of vulnerable communities. 

Recorded 11 December 2025