Rethink Fragility

Wale is acting senior director for the governance technical unit within the International Rescue Committee. He works to protect the rights of people affected by crises to influence the political issues that matter to them. (Background link for more on this: https://www.rescue-uk.org/outcome/power.) We talk about getting people to think intelligently about the political context for humanitarian response, how the sector is evolving over time, and a few sacred cows that need to be left behind. We also go in depth on his experience, both good and bad, as a Nigerian working for international organisations in the global North. Show notes: [02:45] Wale’s work with the IRC, and how governance issues fit into in humanitarian/emergency response. [05:10] Growing up in Nigeria in Ibadan and Kaduna. The “bubble” of federal government college, the culture shock of leaving it, and the politics of service delivery. [14:40] What motivated the decision to pursue higher studies. Family expectations, a pivotal visit to a