Working in a World of Conflict: Rethinking Development, Risk, and Resilience
Event Description
Conflict and fragility are no longer edge cases. Today, they define the context in which much of development work takes place. From the Sahel to the Middle East to Eastern Europe, instability is reshaping how organizations operate, who they partner with, and what is possible on the ground.
Yet many global conversations still treat conflict as a separate issue, rather than a core condition shaping poverty, climate vulnerability, and humanitarian need. As a result, strategies, funding models, and partnerships often fall short of what these contexts require.
This discussion explores what it takes to work effectively in fragile and conflict-affected settings. How do we support entrepreneurs, local humanitarians, and community-led efforts operating under extreme constraints? What does it mean to invest in these environments when many funders are risk-averse? And how can the wider sector better integrate peacebuilding, local leadership, and long-term resilience into its work?
Grounded in real-world experience, this session will surface practical approaches to navigating risk, sustaining local action, and adapting systems to a world where conflict is an enduring reality, not a temporary disruption.
Speakers
Carine Roenen is Executive Director of Fonkoze, advancing poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment in Haiti.
Cassandra Lee is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Justice Rising, delivering education in conflict-affected regions.
Kenneth Kou is Head of Venture Lab at Mercy Corps, advancing financial and climate resilience through innovative solutions.
Aerie Changala is CEO of Nuru, working at the intersection of resilience, livelihoods, and fragile contexts.
Discussion Questions
How is the rise in conflict reshaping development strategies, partnerships, and funding priorities?
What does it take to support local actors, entrepreneurs, and humanitarians working on the front lines of fragile contexts?
How can funders better engage in high-risk environments without withdrawing support where it is most needed?
What lessons from peacebuilding and local practice should be more deeply integrated into broader development efforts?