Conversation with IFRC Regional Director Alexander Matheou

In Episode 14 of The Fading Causes Podcast. we consider if modern humanitarianism is fit for purpose?

I catch up with Alexander Matheou at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies – IFRC, the world’s largest humanitarian network. From his perch in Kuala Lumpur, Alexander oversees RedCross RedCrescent work across the vast Asia Pacific region where most of humanity dwells.

We talk on the leadership challenges of corralling a network of millions of volunteers and staff in 38 national Red Cross Red Crescent Societies that are as diverse as they come. And while each is embedded in its own history, culture, social and political dynamics, they “fight the good fight” behind the same flag and pay allegiance to the same principles. But they are also human… with all our usual contradictions and foibles.

How that works in practice is discussed in dilemmas around working with the Taliban in Afghanistan and the military regime in Myanmar while striving to remain principled. Also the endless saga of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.  But what about the absurdity of continuing with short-term relief approaches knowing that underlying crises are long-term? Is not the relief-development divide costing lives?

As for the rest, I ask if he is wasting his time in Asia – is not the continent rich enough to look after its own humanitarian problems? Alexander has also worked in Central Europe including Russia and Ukraine, and in Africa. How is Asian humanitarian work different than in Africa? As a corollary, I want to know why Asian superpowers like China and India not carrying more of the global humanitarian support burden (ie. not just relief in their neighbourhoods as both did after the Myanmar earthquake)?

Alexander and I have earlier worked together at IFRC.  We discuss if the 160-year-old Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is resting somewhat on past laurels, its best ideas copied – and diluted – by many other agencies that have sprung up. Is IFRC adapting to the massive changes underway? Are new ideas or approaches emerging?

How is Artificial Intelligence going to impact humanitarianism? That takes us into wider humanitarian reform territory. Are well-publicised agency changes sincere mission-driven improvements or just a scramble for organisational survival as aid cuts bite? Besides, is not the increasing competition for capturing greater institutional share of the market in human misery, not obscene?

But Alexander is not taking my provocations lying down. Neither does he play the good bureaucrat defending the status quo. His robust responses are a powerful call to continue advancing our humanitarian ideals – no matter the setbacks and constraints. His sincere convictions obviously come from his passionate Greek heart , the Russian poetry in his soul, both under control of his cool British head.

With thanks to Impact Newswire Faustine Ngila, 4IR,