ABSTRACT
The conclusion reflects on both the threats and opportunities presented to the aid sector by Covid-19 and broader geopolitical developments. It argues that the greater dependence on staff from the Global South to implement aid programmes can point towards a fuller commitment to localisation, and to moving beyond white dominant narratives about how aid should be delivered, and also about how mental health and wellbeing should be understood. By broadening this dialogue, there is also the possibility of seeing what is shared as well as what is not among aid workers – including the essential desire by everyone for love, care and a sense of belonging. These conversations can create more progressive, open and inclusive organisational cultures where conversations about the visions, dreams, motivations, fears and insecurities about aid work are all welcome.
