Michael Koehler: Aid localization as a career driver

Dear Listeners,

In this episode, I am exploring the evolution of humanitarian aid and crisis management with none other than Michael Koehler.

Michael is an accomplished diplomat and development expert who served as Deputy Director-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) at the European Commission from 2019 to 2024 and as Acting Director-General of DG ECHO from 2022 to 2023. He is currently a co-lead of the Grand Bargain Agreement, which aims to make humanitarian action more effective, efficient, and locally driven.

His deep understanding of both policy-making and field realities provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing humanitarian aid today.

In this conversation, we’ll explore how Europe’s approach to humanitarian aid has shifted, the challenges of managing complex crises, and the future of humanitarian reforms. Michael also shares his insights on the importance of localizing aid, addressing sectoral bureaucracy, and preparing the next generation of humanitarian leaders.

Welcome to my conversation with Michael Koehler.

Salomé,

Host of Voices of Development

Super-Novae's Head of Project Design, Capitalization, and Communications.

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