Reflections on a decade working in Development and Aid: Zahir Shah’s insightful article is a must-read for anyone in the sector, or those considering to join.

His emphasis on the distinction between immediate humanitarian aid and long-term development work is also crucial in the search for interesting approaches to development aid. Shah’s call to decolonise aid by prioritising local ownership and aligning with government strategies resonates deeply. It’s a powerful reminder that real progress requires moving beyond bureaucratic inefficiency and neo-colonial tendencies, and fostering genuine partnerships with the communities we seek to support.