On February 24, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, Fr. Peter Audu, participated in an international conference titled “The Politicization of Aid.” The event was convened by the Danube Institute in Hungary.
The conference brought together policymakers, development experts, and humanitarian actors to examine the evolving global aid landscape. Discussions moved beyond outdated narratives about foreign assistance and critically assessed the rise and influence of the non-governmental organization–industrial complex over time.
The event opened with remarks by John O’Sullivan, President of the Danube Institute, followed by a welcome address from András László. Panel sessions explored innovative funding mechanisms, emerging aid models for NGOs, and alternative strategies for delivering sustainable and impactful humanitarian assistance.
The conference concluded with a call for a renewed vision of aid anchored in accountability, dignity, subsidiarity, and authentic solidarity rather than political expediency. Fr. Audu’s participation highlighted Caritas Nigeria’s commitment to shaping ethical, sustainable, and people-centred development discourse at the global level. He also used the opportunity to engage in strategic meetings with humanitarian actors, including Hungary Helps, to explore potential funding and partnership opportunities.
