Humanitarianism Must Guide Politics: SIDES’ Call on International Humanitarian Day 2025
Kano, Nigeria — By Musa Abdullahi Sufi
As the world marks International Humanitarian Day 2025, themed “Humanity First: Building Hope, Driving Change,” the spotlight turns once again on the spirit of selflessness that binds communities and nations in times of need.
Yet, beyond humanitarian aid workers on the frontlines of disasters, epidemics, and conflict zones, there lies an urgent call for leaders in politics and governance to embody this same spirit.
At the heart of this call is Sustainable Innovation and Development Solutions (SIDES), an African-based non-profit organization championing humanitarian values, sustainable development, and people-centered leadership. In a statement commemorating this global day, the organization urged political leaders to see their offices not as instruments of power and privilege but as platforms for service and transformation.
“Humanitarianism is not a profession alone; it is a way of life and leadership,” said Dr Musa Abdullahi Sufi, Founder of SIDES.
“When leaders adopt humanitarian values—compassion, empathy, and service, our societies flourish. Politics should never be reduced to wealth accumulation or self-interest. It should be about uplifting people and leaving behind legacies of hope, justice, and development.”
Across the globe, humanitarian workers risk their lives to save others, yet their values often stand in contrast with political leaders who wield influence over millions.
SIDES emphasizes that the challenges of today climate change, poverty, insecurity, forced migration, and inequality, cannot be overcome by politics rooted in self-interest. They require leadership guided by the humanitarian spirit: selfless, empathetic, inclusive, and resilient.
“It is high time our politics became an opportunity to serve, not to be served; to give, not to take; to empower, not to exploit, A humanitarian-driven leadership is the bedrock of trust, peace, and prosperity. The nations that thrive are those where leaders see governance as service to humanity, not a shortcut to riches.” noted Musa Abdullahi Sufi.
SIDES argues that adopting a humanitarian lens in governance can transform societies in tangible ways: that include;
Strengthening Development by placing people at the center of policy, governments can address poverty, education gaps, health inequalities, and climate vulnerabilities. Also building trust through compassionate governance, strengthens the social contract between leaders and citizens and restoring faith in institutions.
Also, promoting peace while prioritizing human dignity reduces tensions, prevents conflict, and fosters unity across divides. And shaping the future with leaders who govern with empathy invest in education, health, innovation, and sustainabilty while creating opportunities for generations.
The call is timely. From Nigeria to the wider African continent and beyond, disillusionment with politics is rising as citizens feel disconnected from their leaders. SIDES believes the solution lies in reshaping governance around humanitarian values, values that put humanity first.
On this International Humanitarian Day 2025, SIDES extends its message not only to aid workers but also to Presidents, Governors, Senators, Ministers, and Representatives across the world with a call as “lead with compassion, act with service, and govern with humanity”.
For in the end, it is not the number of years in power or the titles held that define leadership, it is the impact left on people’s lives.
