June 20 marked World Refugee Day amid a staggering new record: almost 130 million people worldwide are now displaced, from Gaza to Sudan. Relief agencies say the UNHCR’s nearly $5 billion in aid funding last year covered less than half the need, thanks to global budget cuts.
Expert Voices Unite
On this edition of The Agenda, host Juliet Mann brought together three thought leaders to unpack solutions:
- Matthew Saltmarsh, Head of News and Media at the UNHCR, highlighted the funding gap and urged governments to restore and expand their aid budgets.
- Ahmed Kabello, Sudan expert and CEO of African Stream, called for community-led support in conflict zones and pointed to innovative local partnerships that have kept families together.
- Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Associate Professor in International Refugee Law at the University of Reading, outlined legal pathways, safe corridors, and the need for burden-sharing mechanisms across regions.
From Data to Impact
Numbers tell a stark story: displacement has doubled in the past decade. Yet experts see hope in data-driven responses—smart financing models, tech-driven refugee registries, and new private sector collaborations that boost local economies while providing shelter and services.
Building a Path Forward
Solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. They require:
- Renewed government commitments to meet funding shortfalls
- Legal frameworks that grant safe entry and work rights
- Tech tools for education, health, and economic integration
- Local leadership that drives culturally sensitive aid
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, the refugee crisis is a call to action. Share your ideas, support humane policies, and champion innovative projects that offer displaced communities a real chance to rebuild their lives.
Reference(s):
How to solve the global refugee crisis: The Agenda full episode
cgtn.com
