Working Without a State: Delivering Impact in Conflict and Collapse
Event Description
Much of the social impact sector is built around partnership with governments. But what happens when the state is absent, unstable, or part of the problem?
This session brings a grounded, frontline perspective from those working in protracted conflict settings, including contexts like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where instability is not the exception but the operating environment. It explores what it actually takes to deliver services, sustain organizations, and support communities when systems are fractured or non-functional.
We will examine how practitioners navigate security risks, shifting power dynamics, and unreliable or nonexistent public institutions, while still attempting to build solutions that last. The discussion will also challenge prevailing assumptions about scale, asking what “scaling” means in environments where continuity itself is uncertain.
At its core, this is a conversation about adaptation, resilience, and legitimacy: how trust is built, how partnerships are formed (or redefined), and how impact is sustained when traditional models break down.
Speakers
Sandra Butoto is Chief Operating Officer at UGEAFI, leading operations, partnerships, and fundraising to advance community-driven development in Eastern DRC.
Tom Traill is Senior Strategic Advisor at CPI, building connections between local organisations to drive systems change in conflict-affected settings.
Lin Thu Hein is Executive Director at Atutu, expanding energy access to last-mile communities in Myanmar through solar microgrids using community-led approach.
Discussion Questions
What does effective service delivery look like in the absence of a reliable state?
How do organizations build trust and legitimacy in conflict settings?
What replaces government partnerships when governments are unstable or absent?
How should we rethink scale and sustainability in protracted crises?
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.