The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) in collaboration with MERCY Center for Humanitarian Development jointly organised the Humanitarian Leadership Course, from 22 to 24 April 2025 in Putrajaya. This three-day programme was meticulously crafted to strengthen leadership competencies in humanitarian contexts, equipping participants with critical skills in decision-making under pressure, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration across government ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The course focused on enhancing participants’ decision-making capabilities, strengthening strategic planning and teamwork, and cultivating empathy and adaptability in leadership roles. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants explored best practices for managing diverse teams and optimising resources in dynamic, high-stakes environments. Emphasis was also placed on leading with compassion and resilience, empowering participants to make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
The course brought together 22 participants from government bodies and NGOs, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Civil Defence Force, National Disaster Management Agency, National Security Council, Johor State Government, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia, Humanitarian Care Malaysia, Islamic Relief Malaysia, Cahaya Society, Humanitarian Aid Selangor Society, MyKasih Foundation, MERCY Malaysia Chapter Pahang, and Pertubuhan Komuniti ELITE.
A key highlight of the programme was the Panel Discussion titled “Heartbeats in Crisis: First Hand Accounts”, moderated by YM Raja Hajah Datin Riza Shazmin binti Raja Badrul Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the MERCY Center for Humanitarian Development. Distinguished panellists, Datuk Dr. Junaidah Kamarudin, Dr. Mafeitzral Mamat, and Mr. Syed Azwan Syed Ali, shared their invaluable experiences from conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas in Gaza, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, offering deep insights into the realities of humanitarian work on the ground.
The course concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by Dato’ Agus Salim Yusof, Director of the Centre for Leadership, Negotiation, and Public Diplomacy. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between government agencies and NGOs in humanitarian efforts, underscoring how such partnerships enhance operational effectiveness during crises and foster a more cohesive and sustainable humanitarian ecosystem.
