World Humanitarian Day 2026: Spotlighting the men and women on the front lines

Humanitarian workers from across the HelpAge global network reflect on what motivates them to keep going.

Published

17 August 2026

Humanitarian work can be challenging, demanding and, at times, deeply uncertain. Yet across the HelpAge global network, those working in humanitarian responses continue to stand alongside older people and communities affected by crises, driven by a shared commitment to support others when they need it most.

For World Humanitarian Day 2026, we asked humanitarian workers from HelpAge network member organisations: What keeps you going? Through their words and photographs, this collection offers a glimpse into the people behind the response, their motivations, the connections that sustain them, and what inspires them to keep going.

Humanitarian work can be challenging, demanding and, at times, deeply uncertain. Yet across the HelpAge global network, women and men on the front lines continue to stand alongside older people and communities affected by crises, driven by a shared commitment to support others when they need it most.

For World Humanitarian Day 2026, we asked humanitarian workers from HelpAge network member organisations: What keeps you going? Through their words and photographs, this collection offers a glimpse into the people behind the response, their motivations, the connections that sustain them, and what inspires them to keep going.

Kholoud Abu AlQaraya, Project Coordinator, Juzoor - Palestine

Humanity is shaped by the environment in which we are raised. I grew up in a family that made helping others a way of life, where giving and kindness were fundamental parts of our values.

Living in Gaza amidst the conditions of war, displacement, and poverty, and witnessing the suffering of children, women, and the elderly, has deepened my firm belief in the importance of humanitarian work.

I have learned that the simplest actions, such as a smile and a kind word, have the power to make a person feel safe, respected, and hopeful.

For me, the greatest achievement is to leave a small positive impact on another person’s life. Humanity does not require much; it only requires a sincere heart.

Galina Poliakova, Executive Director, Ukrainian Charity Organisation “Turbota pro Litnih v Ukraini” (Age Concern Ukraine)

I’m one of the founders of this NGO. It’s made up of nearly 1,500 volunteers aged 60+. We’ve been together for 27 years. Yes, I’m tired. But now, as Ukraine is engulfed in flames, with people dying and cities crumbling, our help, including mine, is desperately needed. I sincerely admire our volunteers and can’t imagine my life or myself without this difficult, exhausting, yet so important work. The feeling of belonging, the tangible results, and the eyes of an older person with silent tears of gratitude- this is what makes life worth living.

Eduardo González, Manager of Comprehensive Risk Management and Climate Change, PRO-VIDA - El Salvador

It is important to provide support and coordination for vulnerable and marginalised communities, and even more so in situations involving multiple threats. Although the emotional and operational toll can be high, the drive to carry on comes from remembering that every project, however small it may seem, makes a difference, and with every intervention we pave the way towards community resilience at the grassroots level.

The experiences I have had and the people I have met along the way remind me that it is always worthwhile to continue working in humanitarian aid and, in this way, to contribute to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.

Naw Hay Man Oo, Area and Programme Lead, AGE Myanmar

I have worked in the humanitarian field for more than 15 years. What keeps me going is knowing that there are still so many people who need support, especially older people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The work can be very difficult, and at times we face serious risks in the field. But when I meet communities and see their faces, hear their voices, and know that our support has helped ease some of their worries, it gives me strength. Their responses and gratitude remind me why this work matters and motivate me to continue.

Sevan Ishkan, Head of Social Workers, IDRAAC - Lebanon

After more than 14 years in humanitarian work, I have learned that it is the human moments that matter most. Standing beside people during their hardest chapters, listening to those who feel forgotten, and reminding them that they are seen, heard, and valued gives my work meaning. Even when helping others has meant putting my own safety at risk, reaching someone in need has made it worthwhile. My motto is: “I get uplifted by uplifting others.” I believe everyone is born for a reason, and mine is to stand beside those who are suffering and remind them that their lives matter.

Bahaa Zaqout, Director of External Relations and Fundraising, PARC - Palestine

What keeps me going is the belief that even in the worst conditions, our work still changes something real in a person’s life. I have learned that humanitarian work is not only delivering assistance. It is standing with people, listening, and helping open a path back to recovery. What moves me most is seeing someone recover their dignity after everything has been taken from them: a farmer replanting, a family cooking their own meal again, a mother sending her children back to learning. Communities here are stronger than their circumstances. That is what I hold on to.

Sofía Garzón, National Director of Humanitarian Operations, CADENA - Venezuela

This work is my passion. Having the opportunity to talk with the people we serve, understand what they need in that moment, and help improve their quality of life is, to me, invaluable.

It fills me with joy and hope to see the effort of an entire team working behind the scenes, striving to help in the most effective way, come to life, especially when we see families’ living conditions genuinely improve. That is what keeps me going.

Recognising those on the front lines

Today, we celebrate the dedication of humanitarian workers and their ability to respond to some of the toughest challenges on the ground. World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to recognise their commitment, courage and vital contribution to supporting older people and communities affected by crises. HelpAge International will continue to stand alongside our network, supporting those on the front lines and strengthening our collective humanitarian response.

Learn more about our humanitarian work

HelpAge works to ensure that older people are not excluded from humanitarian responses.