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Changing Aid Signature Research Initiative

Understanding and transforming aid in violent, insecure, and crisis-affected environments

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2024 Changing Aid Conference

Changing Aid Event

Join the Changing Aid Signature Research Initiative as we welcome AU students and alumni working in the international aid industry for a collaborative workshop to discuss the changing nature of international aid and how universities like AU can best train the next generation of aid workers.

The conference will bring together current AU students with AU Alumni working in the broader international aid industry to discuss the changing nature of the aid industry and universities, like AU, should train the next generation of aid workers. Alumni experts will be from a range of INGOs, government agencies, think tanks, and academic institutions. This conference is supported by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation as a part of American University’s Signature Research Initiative program!

Date: Friday, April 19
Location: American University, Constitution Hall
Time: 5 pm-8 pm

Contact changingaid@american.edu with questions.

About Changing Aid

The aid sector is in a pivotal moment of transformation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and increasing demands for donors, recipients, and aid organizations to “decolonize” and “localize” aid. AU’s Changing Aid Signature Research Initiative (SRI) grapples with these challenges by providing a unique space for aid actors, scholars, and policymakers to come together to learn, communicate, and problem-solve. The Changing Aid initiative spearheads innovative, ethical, and participatory research within the most challenging contexts, such as migration, violence, peace, healthcare, and even disastrous environmental and climate changes. We engage with a variety of aid actors (both international and domestic, from the Global North and South, and from bilateral, multilateral, non-governmental, and private institutions) and facilitate difficult discussions and practical training to help aid workers better manage the challenging realities of aid work today. Informed by evidence and in partnership with policymakers and aid industry actors, we work to help find solutions to improve and inform future aid.