29th September 2025
HLA and Save the Children Sudan convened Humanitarian Xchange in Port Sudan – the first space of its kind bringing together local and international actors to advance locally led action in the Sudan response.
The conference successfully gathered 91 participants, including 44 women, representing local organisations, INGOs, mutual aid groups, youth and women-led initiatives, and government representatives.
Beyond creating a unique convening space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation at this critical moment in Sudan’s humanitarian response, HX Port Sudan proved that when we create the right spaces for dialogue and partnership, we can accelerate change and strengthen response rooted in local leadership.
As Sudan faces unprecedented needs, the gathering emphasized the vital role of locally led action and mutual aid networks in shaping more sustainable and context-driven solutions. Over two days, participants engaged in panel discussions, workshops, and group work that touched on some of the most pressing issues for Sudan’s humanitarian and development landscape, a powerful reminder that Sudanese organisations are highly talented, experienced, and in fact leading the response.
Key themes discussed at HX Port Sudan include:
- The Role of Mutual Aid in Sudan’s Crisis Response – From Emergency to Early Recovery
- Strengthening Community Resilience: Tools for Operational Sustainability
- Mutual Aid Groups and Locally Led Initiatives
- Funding and Sustainability
- Policy Influence and Funding Challenges in Local-Led Action
- Localisation and Capacity Strengthening in Conflict Contexts
- Innovation in the Humanitarian Response in Sudan
- Youth and Women-Led Organisations’ Role in the Humanitarian Response
Each theme highlighted the leadership, innovation, and resilience of Sudanese organisations and the importance of shifting from rhetoric to practical action in supporting local actors. Participants had the opportunity not only to share experiences but also to collaborate on practical recommendations and strategies that can inform the wider humanitarian community.
One highlight of the conference was the emphasis on mutual aid groups.
These grassroots initiatives have become frontline responders across Sudan, filling critical gaps where access is limited for INGOs and UN agencies. Their ability to mobilise rapidly, build trust within communities, and adapt to shifting contexts was repeatedly recognised as essential for both immediate crisis response and long-term recovery.
The sessions also showcased the critical role of women and youth leaders in Sudan’s response, bringing creativity, innovation, and local ownership to humanitarian action. Their contributions were celebrated as drivers of resilience and sustainability.
A personal key learning is that it is time for donors and INGOs to genuinely shift power to local actors. They hold the contextual knowledge, resilience, and solutions that are critical to shaping effective humanitarian response in Sudan.
Direct reflections from participants further underscored the importance of the HX platform.
Zamzam, the General Director of HVCO, shared “The HX conference is very important and it’s not only a space to meet and discuss the humanitarian needs and challenges but also it’s a space to share our experiences and build each other’s experiences.”
Mr. Ahmed, the HAC Commissioner Representative, added “The HX conference is very important and it was needed long time ago to have local leaders from the humanitarian community share experiences, find solutions and work jointly.”
These testimonies highlight how HX Sudan went beyond dialogue it became a catalyst for joint problem-solving and solidarity.
The outcomes of this gathering will help shape stronger collaboration, better resource allocation, and a more inclusive humanitarian system in Sudan.
