Centre for Humanitarian Leadership receives $1.1m grant for a crisis leadership program for Ukrainian humanitarians coping with the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression.

The Centre for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL), a partnership between Deakin University and Save the Children, has received approximately AUD $1.1 million in grants to deliver its flagship Crisis Leadership Program.

A short course targeted at local leaders to enable more inclusive, equitable, and appropriate responses to humanitarian crises.

The expanded program has been made possible thanks to a USD $749,000 grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). The grant marks the first time the CHL and CDP have worked together.

“Participants have highlighted how they are now more confident in navigating the international humanitarian system as well as being able to advocate for the changes they want to see in how humanitarian assistance is provided in their country,” said CHL Acting Director Joshua Hallwright.

Deakin Arts and Education Faculty Acting Dean Associate Professor Meghan Kelly said the expanded program would equip Ukrainians with the skills needed to guide their communities through the ongoing crisis.

“This grant has enabled the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership to expand its program to better assist those who need it most – including people living in Ukraine.”

Hallwright highlighted that the flagship course would enable the Centre to elevate, empower and strengthen local civil society leadership in places like the Ukraine.

“We are excited to be partnering with CDP to expand the Crisis Leadership Program, and conduct important research alongside it.”

Alex Gray, Director of International Funds at CDP, said the organisation has long recognised the centrality of local humanitarian leadership in ensuring the most relevant preparedness, response and equitable long-term recovery for crisis-affected communities.

“CDP is thrilled to partner with CHL to offer, develop further and generate evidence on the effectiveness of this type of crisis leadership development approach,” Gray said.

“The global humanitarian system is at a critical inflection point and historical power imbalances need to shift, with more power and resources placed in the hands of the local communities who are impacted by a crisis. This starts with investing in local humanitarian leadership, and the Crisis Leadership Program does just that.”