ACFID is thrilled to announce that Dylan Mathews, CEO of Peace Direct and prominent advocate for systems change in the humanitarian and development sector, will be delivering a keynote address at this year’s ACFID national conference in October.
Dylan has dedicated two decades to supporting local organisations in the Global South through his work with various peacebuilding, international development and humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, Landmine Action, and Y Care International.
As the current CEO of Peace Direct, Dylan advocates for shifting power and resources to locally led civil society organisations working in countries affected by conflict across the world. His ‘decolonising systems’ work and leadership culminated in the 2021 landmark report: Time to Decolonise Aid. The collaborative report between Peace Direct, Adeso, the Alliance for Peacebuilding and Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security, resonated globally and facilitated critical discussion around reshaping the aid landscape, and called on all international aid organisations to tackle the issue of structural racism head-on.
Dylan’s commitment to empowering local civil society organisations is evident in his work and contributions to the sector. He serves as the Chair of the Board of CIVICUS, one of the world’s largest alliances of civil society organisations. He is also the editor of Working with Conflict 2, a practical resource for local peacebuilders, published in 2020, and is a regular contributor to the shiftthepower.org website.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dylan as keynote speaker at this year’s ACFID conference, who will deliver the opening address on day two of the conference.” said Marc Purcell, CEO of the Australian Council for International Development.
“Dylan’s invaluable insights on the current state of civil society and the systems change required to tackle the world’s complex problems will challenge and inspire delegates, highlighting urgent and meaningful changes needed across the humanitarian and development landscape for a more equitable and sustainable future.”
To find out more and to register for the conference, visit the website at: https://acfid.arinex.one/.
