Reports

CHANGE THE CODE report 2026

Young people around the world reflect on the Humanitarian Reset.

Publication Date: February, 2026

English

Format: PDF

Publisher: Action Aid

View and Download

This report is a youth-led, global research initiative built directly on the voices of over 460 young humanitarians. What it addresses is the glaring contradiction of the Humanitarian Reset: the fact that young people are leading the response on the frontlines, yet remain structurally excluded from the rooms where decisions and funding are finalized. Ultimately, it addresses exactly how we fix this by providing a clear roadmap to redistribute power and resources back to the youth.

document information

Researchers

  • Laura Valencia, Strategy and Partnership Coordinator – Global Refugee Youth Network,
    Ecuador, Americas.
  • Choolwe Chuuno, Humanitarian and Climate Justice Advocate, Zambia, Africa.
  • Carla Jammal- medical doctor, Syria, Asia.
  • Stephen Olushola Oladepo, Team Lead – Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative, Nigeria, Africa.
  • Ciara Watson, Humanitarian Advocate and Campaigner, United Kingdom, Europe.
  • Jigyasa Gulati, Nexus Practitioner, India, Asia

Supported by

  • Tayiona Sananguri, Global Humanitarian Youth Advisor – International Humanitarian and Resilience Team, ActionAid International.
  • Akello Nancy Ongom, Protection Network Coordinator – International Humanitarian and Resilience Team, ActionAid International.
  • Anjana Luitel, Project Lead – Global Platforms, ActionAid Denmark
    Bishal Ranamagar, Youth Engagement Specialist – ActionAid Global Platforms Secretariat.
  • Ivy Teresa Aseka, Digital Engagement Specialist – Global Platforms Secretariat, Kenya Africa.

Regions

Africa (Southern, East and West), Americas and Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa

Content Type

PDF Reports

Rights

© Author/Publisher

Editing

Structural and content editing was provided by Francesca Alice and Gladys Ryan.

Design and illustrations

Ene Ijato – www.eneijato.com

Copyright

ActionAid International permits excerpts of this report to be reproduced, provided that the source is clearly and properly acknowledged.

Disclaimer

The views in this publication do not necessarily represent those of any funding agency. The content collation and writing process ensured informed consent was given to ActionAid by participants in the IHART #ChangeTheCode campaign.

Got Feedback? Share With Us

Your voice matters. Tell us what you think, share your ideas, or let us know how we can do better. We’d love to hear from you.

Share Feedback Here