Sudan is in the spotlight this week, as global leaders gather in the United States to galvanise support for one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
CHL Director, Associate Professor Mary Ana McGlasson, is in New York to present updates on the work of the Coalition for Mutual Aid for Sudan at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting from September 24-25.
In 2024, CHL joined the Coalition for Mutual Aid for Sudan, led by its partner, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and 15 philanthropic and other organisations, to support the lifesaving efforts of frontline responders in the country.
A/Prof Mary Ana McGlasson says she’s delighted to attend her second CGI meeting to continue the Coalition’s important work and to ensure Sudan’s humanitarian crisis stays firmly in the spotlight.
“We know that Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises and yet it remains critically underfunded and lacking global attention,” A/Prof McGlasson says.
“The Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan has met its initial target to deliver USD $6.5 million to expand the reach of local responders, and we continue to advocate for other donors to join us in investing in mutual aid as the most efficient mechanism to reach those who need help the most.”
The CGI meeting is a chance for us to double down on our efforts and continue to champion for Sudan’s local responders.”
This will be the second time A/Prof McGlasson will attend the CGI meeting. This year, she will also act as an Advisor to the CGI Humanitarian Working Group, designed for deeper engagement and to formulate new CGI Commitments to Action. The Humanitarian Working Group is aimed at redesigning humanitarian efforts to be more adaptable, collaborative and efficient.
CGI coincides with the UN General Assembly meeting, and during this week CHL will co-host a high-level working group meeting feating 50 organisations actively supporting—or with the potential to support—Sudan’s mutual aid efforts.
About Sudan’s humanitarian crisis
Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced more than 12 million people from their homes, according to the UN. More than half the population, some 25 million people, require humanitarian assistance, but funding shortfalls and insecurity mean many remain without help.
In many areas, mutual aid groups serve as the primary safety net, providing life-saving assistance within hours or days, rather than weeks or months.
About the Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan
Initiated by the Strengthening Local Humanitarian Leadership Collaborative, which the Center for Disaster Philanthropy coordinates, the partners in the Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan share a common commitment to supporting and strengthening the capacity of local humanitarian responders who are best placed to provide immediate relief, build resilience and pave the way for recovery in their communities.
CHL is one of six organisations which are providing in-kind technical, research and advocacy support to enhance adequate funding to mutual aid groups in Sudan.
About the Clinton Global Initiative meeting
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) brings together leaders from across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to take action on pressing global challenges. This year, CGI will continue to drive action and partnerships by bringing together established and emerging global leaders from September 24-25, 2025 in New York City, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly.
- The Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan Commitment to Action will feature at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 25 (4:45pm) New York time/ 6:45am Melbourne time (Friday, September 26). It can be live streamed on the Clinton Global Initiative website.
