Celebrating a Decade of Commitment to Quality & Accountability
Let's hear from HQAI's governance
HQAI is a not-for-profit association. The ultimate decision power lays with its General Assembly, supported by the Board of Directors, Advisory and Complaints Board (ACB) and the Facilitation Fund Management Committee (FFMC). The people behind these governance bodies represent 10 years of voluntary commitment, leadership, guidance and support. Let's open the floor to them:
What inspired you most during this collective journey?
I am deeply inspired by the steadfast dedication of the HQAI team, especially in times when the humanitarian sector faces immense pressure. Their commitment truly matters — HQAI audits have the power to be game changers, driving greater accountability and advancing localization across the sector.
Katrin Wirsching, Board member
HQAI constitutes a remarkable example in terms of endeavouring to very practically and concretely influence the humanitarian ecosystem towards accountability, transparency, good organisational governance and locally managed humanitarian assistance; including financial rigour. This is thanks to a solid conceptual framework and very dedicated staff. Despite an environment that is far from conducive, HQAI stays a principled course.
Philippe Besson, Board member and Chair of the FFMC
The unwavering commitment to accountability and quality across diverse humanitarian actors has been deeply inspiring. Seeing organisations embrace learning, transparency, and continuous improvement—often in challenging contexts—shows the power of collective action to elevate standards and impact.
Mayumi Fuchi, GA member
Seeing the expansion in the number of local and national NGOs embrace the CHS, seek HQAI certification against it, and demonstrate such strong commitment to improving accountability to crisis affected communities.
Jason Phillips, Board member and FFMC member
Ten years ago, HQAI’s secretariat was established. “It’s a good idea but it will never work” was the leitmotif we could hear again and again in the humanitarian circles. Ten years later, HQAI is still here and has changed for ever the way the aid sector measures accountability. This has been achieved by a small team of extremely competent and motivated people. This motivation and dedication, and the results we attained despite difficulties are what inspired me most and kept me going in my 8 years with HQAI.
Pierre Hauselmann, former Executive Director at HQAI
What inspires me most about HQAI is how it tackles a political issue like accountability in the humanitarian sector through a clear technical solution. By applying certification and standards, HQAI turns abstract debates about quality and responsibility into tangible measurable impact. It shows that real change does not always need new rhetoric but consistent and rigorous practice.
Elias Sagmeister, GA member
Having recently joined HQAI’s General Assembly, I’ve been inspired by the dedication and passion of colleagues committed to quality and accountability in humanitarian programming. It’s been motivating to connect with such a knowledgeable and driven community, and I look forward to engaging in more insightful and meaningful conversations.
Emma Cliffe, GA member
HQAI’s people unwavering ethical commitment to state of the art humanitarian response. The ED and her team’s effort under strained circumstances has been nothing short of inspirational; also, the humility and humanity of all HQAI’s people has been heartwarming, I felt welcome from minute number 1!
Eleonora Allara, ACB member
A word from the Executive Director
This anniversary is not merely a celebration of what we have accomplished, but a recognition of the collective effort, conviction, and resilience that drive our mission. I am profoundly grateful to those who brought HQAI into being a decade ago and who guided its early steps with such dedication. I am equally grateful to those who, over the years, offered bold and constructive ideas, and to those who had the foresight to develop these ideas into practical, innovative solutions. And I am immensely grateful to those who stand with us today — with their energy, their financial support, their passion, and their trust — and who actively strengthen this shared endeavour.
HQAI is ten years old, and we are firmly here to stay. Our added value is proven, and our commitment to levelling the playing field across the sector has never been stronger. I am truly looking forward to continuing this work in close collaboration with our auditors, funders, governance, partners, and staff in the years ahead.
Désirée Walter, Executive Director at HQAI
Let's hear again from HQAI's governance
What do you wish for HQAI over the next 10 years?
What I wish for HQAI in the next 10 years is that, in a time of shrinking resources, more donors recognise its certification as a cost-effective and credible alternative to their own due diligence processes.
Elias Sagmeister, GA member
I wish HQAI to continue to expand its reach and influence, fostering trust and excellence in humanitarian work. I hope it remains a catalyst for change, empowering organisations to serve communities with even greater integrity and effectiveness.
Mayumi Fuchi, GA member
In the ten years to come, I wish HQAI will have embraced more tools to measure and foster accountability to vulnerable and at risk people, allowing it to be THE unquestioned reference for all actors of the aid sector. I also hope that HQAI will keep much of its pioneering spirit and the friendship, yet professionalism of within the team. This is what will allow HQAI to strive in the still many battles ahead.
Pierre Hauselmann, former Executive Director at HQAI
I wish for HQAI’s relevance to shine through a growing number of high-quality audits especially with local organisations and continued innovation. And I want us to keep pushing boundaries to make the Core Humanitarian Standard a tangible reality for all actors in the sector.
Katrin Wirsching, Board member
It’s exciting to see HQAI’s progress in passporting audit reports to meet donor due diligence requirements for several bilateral donors and pooled funds, while also facilitating direct funding for local and national actors. Scaling up and expanding this initiative over the next decade will further enhance transparency, streamline administrative processes, and ensure limited resources reach those who need them most efficiently and effectively.
Emma Cliffe, GA member
That the donor community really lives up to its commitments to localisation and funds local actors directly. And that HQAI certification against the CHS is recognised as a mark of quality and trust that enables this needed system shift.
Jason Phillips, Board member and FFMC member
For HQAI to keep being a trusted voice in the humanitarian ecosystem, and evolve into a catalyst for change, especially around locally led humanitarian preparedness and response.
Eleonora Aralla, ACB member
I would like to see a HQAI that has sustained and established solid partnerships with funders, core actors within the ecosystem, first and foremost the CHS Alliance. I envisage an HQAI that is well-known and respected as a Centre of Excellence in the Global South, and who maintains fruitful collaborations with local actors, organisations, networks.
Philippe Besson, Board member and Chair of the FFMC
Describe HQAI in one word
A moment of celebration
The Secretariat used its staff retreat to honour this special milestone. In true HQAI fashion — simple, human and warmly genuine — colleagues gathered to share a cake and a song, to blow out 10 candles, and to pen a birthday card reflecting on a decade of dedication, collaboration, and growth. Happy birthday, HQAI!
