From military conflicts to climate disasters, humanitarian crises are intensifying around the world – even as global aid budgets shrink and geopolitical divisions deepen. In an increasingly fragmented world, can international humanitarian aid still be delivered effectively? How can humanitarian ideals survive amid rising rivalry and distrust? And what does effective humanitarian action look like when crises are becoming more complex, prolonged, and dangerous?

For a frontline perspective on the state of global humanitarian action today, we speak with Alexander Matheou, regional director for Asia Pacific at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who has more than two decades of experience responding to conflicts and disasters across Africa, Europe, and Asia.