David Miliband on Humanitarian Crises, Aid Funding Cuts, and Conflict Zones

An interview with International Rescue Committee president and CEO David Miliband on how the IRC is responding to major humanitarian crises and a shifting global aid landscape. He discusses a recent trip to Ukraine, the effects of reduced U.S. government funding, and conflicts and health emergencies across Africa and the Middle East.

■ Aid funding and humanitarian impact
- IRC's U.S. government funding decline and service losses for millions of clients
- Effects on education, health services, and climate adaptation in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Niger

■ Ukraine
- Observations from southern and southeastern Ukraine, including Odessa and areas nearer the front line
- Civilian conditions, displacement, psychological toll, and Ukrainian resolve
- Defense needs, solidarity, and pressure on Russia

■ Ebola and public health
- Outbreak spread, detection challenges, and the role of community trust
- Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo context and health system constraints amid funding reductions

■ Middle East and Africa conflicts
- Yemen's conflict dynamics, Houthi forces, and risks of a prolonged war
- Sudan's civil war, displacement, regional impacts, and stalled diplomacy

■ AI and U.S. aid debate
- AI uses in targeting and surveillance versus humanitarian applications like malnutrition mapping and refugee information
- U.S. public opinion on foreign aid and cost examples for vaccines and malnutrition treatment

The conversation is suited to viewers seeking an overview of current humanitarian crises, aid funding debates, and IRC operations. It offers context on how conflict, health emergencies, and technological change intersect with humanitarian response. Viewers can use it to better understand the policy and funding debates surrounding global aid.