Reflecting on 2025

“Chairing the Dutch Relief Alliance on behalf of Plan International has been an absolute honour” states Reus and Mulder jointly. “Especially as 2025 marked the DRA’s ten-year anniversary”.

Mulder adds, “Seeing how the DRA has grown from an ambition for more coordinated humanitarian action into the strong alliance we are today has been an extraordinary journey. In my two years on the Board, I am reminded again that the DRA’s greatest strength is its people. From the humanitarian teams working tirelessly in increasingly complex crises, the colleagues across our global alliance to the communities we serve. Their dedication and commitment has, and will continue to inspire me”.

“I have witnessed this dedication firsthand during my visits to Sudan and Yemen,” says Reus. “Our partners provide long-term solutions to acute needs through strong partnerships where local organizations often lead. The DRA’s civil society partnerships are broad and diverse, ranging from INGOs and local organisations to women- and youth-led groups and mutual aid networks. Together, we complement one another with one shared purpose: delivering the best possible support to people in crisis. And let’s not forget our partnership with the Ministry. We communicate quickly and directly and work collectively on the safety of humanitarian workers and on securing humanitarian access in extremely complex crises such as Gaza and Sudan. That level of cooperation is only possible when there is deep mutual trust.”

Looking ahead to 2026

As the Dutch Relief Alliance looks to ZOA as its chair for 2026, Milou de Bruijne and Edwin Visser bring their own expertise and experience to the table. “During my time in South Sudan, I witnessed firsthand how DRA members and local partners work together under complex circumstances to reach people in need. As the number of people affected by crises continues to grow and as humanitarian space is shrinking, effective collaboration as humanitarian actors is more crucial than ever. The DRA – with its diverse range of partners – is uniquely positioned in this regard.” De Bruijne not only brings momentum into the role, but comes in at a pivotal moment for the alliance. “2026 will be an important year for the DRA as we look ahead and prepare for a new strategic period. I very much look forward to working with colleagues across the alliance to continue mobilising and connecting people in support of our mission, and keep delivering timely, sustainable assistance to people in need.”

Similarly, Edwin Visser’s time serving on the DRA Board of Supervisors (BoS) as a representative for ZOA for the past 6 years enables him to understand what the Alliance has achieved, and what to anticipate in the next year. “The Alliance is increasingly acknowledged as a reliable and agile channel to deliver humanitarian aid in crisis situations around the world. The alliance has positioned itself as a forerunner of locally led humanitarian action. This, combined with the close partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has positioned the Alliance as a model to other countries and alliances trying to do the same.”

As Dutch Relief Alliance, we thank Garance Reus and Christel Mulder for their vision and leadership over the last years. We look forward to welcoming Edwin Visser and Milou de Bruijne. Visser as BoS chair and De Bruijne on the Board of Directors together with Jessie Bokhoven and Anton van Wijk.

Contact

2026 Board of Directors

Milou de Bruijne, Chair, chair@dutchrelief.org

Anton van Wijk, Crisis Response Manager,crisisresponse@dutchrelief.org

Jessie Bokhoven, Alliance Manager, alliancemanager@dutchrelief.org

2026 Chair Board of Supervisors

Edwin Visser, e.visser@zoa.ngo

Outgoing chairs

Garance Reus (BoS), garance.reus@planinternational.nl

Christel Mulder (BoD), christel.mulder@planinternational.nl

For general questions or information please contact office@dutchrelief.org.