Recapping Forum 2025
By Emma Nardone
On October 15–16, over 220 leaders from the international development and humanitarian community gathered in Washington, D.C. for InterAction’s annual flagship event, Forum.
The two-day event sparked lively discussion about the future of U.S. foreign assistance following a tumultuous year characterized by funding challenges and attacks on the integrity of development and humanitarian programs.
In his opening remarks, InterAction President and CEO Tom Hart highlighted how the sector has shown remarkable resilience despite such a massive transition. You can read a summary of his reflections HERE.
Main Stage Discussions: Day 1
The opening discussion on Wednesday featured Valerie Guarnieri, Assistant Executive Director for Programme Operations at the World Food Programme, in conversation with Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save The Children U.S. The pair discussed navigating drastic changes to the multilateral system as global funding shortfalls have forced organizations toward prioritization.
The afternoon session, a panel discussion titled “Evolution of the Sector: Moving Forward with Shrinking Budgets,” brought Dr. Rachel Glennerster of the Center for Global Development, George Ingram of the Brookings Institution, and Lisa Bos of InterAction together for a conversation about sector reform. Glennerster and Ingram asserted that localization and simplification will be paramount as the sector continues to grapple with worldwide funding reductions.
Main Stage Discussions: Day 2
The second day of programming opened with a Fireside Chat between Tessie San Martin, CEO of FHI 360, and Raj Kumar, President and Editor-In-Chief of Devex. The pair discussed the global health landscape, sustainability in a vastly changed funding environment, and where organizations can expect future opportunities to arise.
Attendees then heard from Representatives Lois Frankel and Michael McCaul, who both prepared recorded remarks for the event. The legislators highlighted the importance of congressional leadership from both sides of the aisle working together to protect U.S. foreign assistance.
In a special lighting talk, Matthew Swift reflected upon his own experience in helping foster public-private partnerships as the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Concordia. Speaking about the importance of convening, he advised attendees to be intentional about engaging with others in person because there is no substitute for interpersonal exchange.
The afternoon sessions kicked off with a Fireside Chat between Former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios and InterAction’s Tom Hart. Natsios reflected on the significant yet often unseen impacts of USAID’s work globally and his experience on the Hill defending the agency’s mission.
The closing session, “Campaigns with Staying Power: Translating Awareness to Action,” featured Katherine Williford, Chief Development Officer at Plan International USA, and Kelly Parsons, CEO of WaterAid America, in conversation with Sasha Fisher, CEO of Spark Microgrants. Williford, who launched the “Worthy” campaign in support of girl’s education in collaboration with Paramount and Nickelodeon, imparted advice on creating mission-aligned partnerships. Parsons spoke about the power of infusing popular culture into the causes that matter most to nonprofit organizations, drawing upon lessons learned during WaterAid America’s #TeamWater campaign with Mr. Beast.
Expert Clinics
In addition to Main Stage Discussions, the event offered 12 Expert Clinics — breakout sessions that featured practical and innovation-driven conversations with leading practitioners and executives.
Topics included children’s health, investment in rural communities, cash assistance, effective advocacy, and organizational transformation, among others.
InterAction Awards
Each year, InterAction recognizes outstanding organizations and individuals in the international development and humanitarian sectors throughout Forum.
Andrew Natsios and Global Health Council received the Julia Vadala Taft Outstanding Leadership Award for their contributions to the U.S.-based INGO community.
Dr. Mithqal Abutaha and Dr. Seema Jilani were honored for their advancement of humanitarian causes as recipients of this year’s InterAction Humanitarian Award. We are also pleased to recognize Marie Biotteau, Mohammed Idriss, and Farah Naz Lucky, who received Honorable Mentions.
The Disability Inclusion Award was granted to Lever for Change. We also extend our congratulations to this year’s Honorable Mentions: Clinton Health Access Initiative, Mobilizing Allies for Women, Peace and Security, and World Vision, Inc.
For more details about this year’s recipients, please see HERE.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
InterAction extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors who made this year’s Forum possible: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, the Gates Foundation, OnBoard, Americares, Arts for Global Development, Cornerstone, GRF CPAs & Advisors, and Plan International USA.
