A message from Rachel O’Brien, outgoing Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy

As I wrap up my time with Save the Children after 17 years and five extraordinary years as Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, I find myself reflecting with deep pride and gratitude on what we have achieved together; as the HLA but more importantly, as a wider global community, together working in service of locally led action.

The past three years, guided by our 2022-2024 strategy, have been a time of bold transformation. We have redefined what it means to support humanitarian leadership – shifting power, amplifying local voices and building a learning ecosystem that is more inclusive, agile and impactful.

From expanding our Kaya platform to over 800,000 learners, to responding to 39 crises across six regions in 2024 alone, the HLA has grown into a global force for locally led action.  We have transformed our responsive work, particularly through our SHIFT programme work for both the Ukraine, and Türkiye-Syria responses.

Personally, it has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate colleagues, partners, and local leaders. I have been continually inspired by the courage and creativity of those leading responses in their own communities – often in the most challenging of circumstances. It is their leadership that has shaped our direction and fuelled our purpose.

As we shape and lean into the 2025-2027 strategic period, I am filled with optimism and the team are fuelled with determination and focus.

Our new strategy is a call to action – to inspire a movement for locally led humanitarian leadership. It builds on our strengths and sets a bold course for the future: strengthening leadership capacity, convening diverse networks and embedding inclusive, context-driven solutions at the heart of humanitarian response. Never has it been so important to come together in global solidarity to support more resilient communities at a time when geopolitics, funding, climate change and technology are drastically changing the face of the world.

I am delighted to share that Pawel Mania will be stepping into the role of Director. Pawel brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to localisation and a clear vision for the future of the HLA. I have every confidence that under Pawel’s leadership, the Academy will continue to thrive and evolve in service of the communities we exist to support.

Thank you for being part of this journey and to the HLA – thank you for letting me be part of our journey. I look forward to seeing where the next chapter takes you.

Warm wishes,

Rachel O’Brien