As of 2024, about 300 million people worldwide need help and protection due to wars, climate disasters, and conflicts.
Every year, on August 19th, we observe World Humanitarian Day to honour the work and dedication of humanitarians around the world. Together with our humanitarian partners, we stand side by side to provide safety, dignity and hope to displaced people worldwide.
“The glimmer of hope in the eyes of those we serve and empower is our greatest inspiration.”
Zoya Kidwai, Manager of Sustainable Habitat and Humanitarian Innovation at STS Global
We had the opportunity to speak with Zoya Kidwai, Manager of Sustainable Habitat and Humanitarian Innovation at STS Global, about her experience. We work closely with STS Global to evaluate our shelter’s performance and continuously improve its adaptability, thermal comfort, and the use of local materials.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your humanitarian work?
Humanitarian work is a complex endeavour marked by big challenges but also great rewards. Time is very important since we must act quickly to help people in need and reduce suffering. Financial constraints make it even harder to provide essential support. Moreover, it can be challenging to encourage affected communities to actively engage in recovery efforts, particularly when faced with significant adversity.
Our mission is to truly understand the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. This requires us to go beyond superficial evaluations and delve deep into their complexities. Frequently, the most urgent issues are not those we first identify. For example, while frequent flooding or inundation might be a visible crisis, the community may have developed coping mechanisms due to its frequency. Instead, their primary concerns might revolve around economic stability, education, or food security, and they expect solutions around that.
In the face of these challenges, what aspects of your work give you hope and inspire you to continue your humanitarian efforts?
Witnessing our work’s tangible and intangible impact, from rebuilding homes to restoring livelihoods, motivates us. Every smile, every word of gratitude is a testament to the power of human compassion and resilience. It’s these moments that remind us why we do what we do and reinforce the reasons behind our actions, despite the challenges.
Zoya from STS Global, and Chloé from Better Shelter working on the new shelter portfolio and testing local material implementations in India.
By working together, we create a better future and improve the lives of displaced people in the world.
Read more about STS Global here
