The Humanitarian Memorial

Remembrance to Action

Marking one year since the unveiling of the UK's Humanitarian Memorial
On 1 October 2026, the humanitarian community marks one year since the unveiling of the UK's Humanitarian Memorial, a tribute to humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in service to others. The Memorial stands in Gunnersbury Park in West London.Remembrance to Action brings together key stakeholders from the humanitarian sector and wider community to honour those we have lost, and to renew our commitment to protecting humanitarian workers worldwide. Over the coming months, the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership will host a Programme of events moving from a moment of national reflection to a call for action strengthening UK leadership on the protection of humanitarian workers.The 2026 Programme
Four moments mark this year's anniversary from remembrance to action:
● Evensong and Wreath-Laying Ceremony — 19 August, St Paul's Cathedral, World Humanitarian Day
● Creative Futures Workshop — 1 October, Gunnersbury Park (invite only)
● Policy Roundtable: Protecting Humanitarians Together — 1 October, Gunnersbury Park (invite only)
● Commemorative Evening — 1 October, Gunnersbury ParkWhy it matters
Every humanitarian worker who risks their life to help others deserves to work in safety. The Humanitarian Memorial stands as a permanent reminder of that responsibility.

About the Memorial

A permanent tribute to humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in service to others

Our storyThe Humanitarian Memorial was unveiled by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and stands as the UK's national tribute to humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in service to others. One year on, we return to reflect on its purpose and to renew our collective commitment to those who continue this vital work.The designThe memorial takes the form of a circular formation of interconnected figures, a physical embodiment of unity, remembrance and collective responsibility. Gaps within the design invite visitors to complete the circle themselves: a quiet, personal act of participation that reflects the shared responsibility we all hold for the safety of humanitarian workers.Who we rememberThe memorial honours the aid workers, medics, drivers and volunteers who have lost their lives while delivering assistance to people in crisis around the world. It stands as a lasting recognition of their courage and service.The Humanitarian Memorial PartnershipThe memorial and its ongoing Programme are overseen by the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership, bringing together humanitarian organisations, government and the UK public to ensure the memorial's meaning endures for generations to come.For more information on the installation, please visit the Gunnersbury Park website.

2026 Event

St Paul's Cathedral · 19 August 2026

Evensong and Wreath-Laying Ceremony
16:45–18:15
A commemorative gathering to honour humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in service to others. An opportunity for remembrance, reflection and recognition of the humanitarian community.

Gunnersbury park · 1 October 2026

Creative Futures Workshop (invite only)
11:00–13:00
An interactive youth session exploring the memorial's artistic concept, symbolism and stories with Zafeerah Heesambee. Connecting art, remembrance and humanitarian action, the workshop deepens understanding of the memorial's meaning and creation.Protecting Humanitarians Together: Strengthening UK Leadership and Action (invite only)
14:00–17:00
A high-level policy roundtable convened in partnership with GISF, focused on the UK's progress on commitments to the protection of humanitarian personnel, a catalyst for dialogue and action to strengthen accountability and improve the safety and security of humanitarian workers worldwide.Commemorative Evening
17:30–20:00
Bringing together humanitarian organisations, supporters and the public to reflect on the memorial's purpose and continuing significance, celebrate humanitarian values, and recognise the enduring commitment of humanitarian workers worldwide.

The Humanitarian Memorial Partnership

The Humanitarian Memorial Partnership oversees the Memorial and its ongoing programme, bringing together humanitarian organisations, government and the UK public to ensure the memorial's meaning endures for generations to come. The Partnership also supports Gunnersbury Park in its use and promotion of the Memorial as a focus for public awareness, education and the promotion of humanitarianism.

Richard Blewitt (Chair)
Richard Blewitt is Chairperson of the Humanitarian Memorial Committee. He has served as Executive Director of International at the British Red Cross since 2021, having previously held senior positions with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the United Nations, HelpAge International, and Save the Children UK.Jules Mason
Jules Mason currently works as Chief Operating Officer at Global Dialogue, with previous experience in leadership roles at Mines Advisory Group, The ONE Campaign, Scope, Merlin, the British Red Cross, and the British Youth Council, spanning strategy, governance, and operations.Nick Roseveare, MBE
Nick Roseveare is a Founding Member of the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership. He was Humanitarian Director and International Programmes Director at Oxfam, and CEO at Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Bond UK, UNICEF UK (interim) and others.Sir Nick Young
Sir Nick Young was chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support for 6 years, and then chief executive of the British Red Cross for 13 years until 2014. He has been a member of the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership Committee for 11 years, and is a trustee, adviser, mentor or patron for several other charitable organisations.Sir Brendan Gormley KCMG, MBE
Sir Brendan Gormley is a founding member of the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership. He served as Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee for 12 years, having previously been Africa Director at Oxfam GB. He has also chaired the CDAC Network and Accountable Now and has acted as a Lead Expert of the Risk Horizon Expert Group for the Government.Jordan Joseph-Kaplan
Jordan Joseph-Kaplan is Senior Art Producer with Contemporary Art Society’s Consultancy, where she works with artists to devise and deliver public programmes. She is a member of the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership, an RSA Fellow and a member of AICA, the International Art Critics Association.Paul Amadi, OBE
Paul Amadi is a charity leader and freelance consultant, having worked as Chief Supporter Officer at the British Red Cross from 2018 to 2026. He was previously the Director of Fundraising for Diabetes UK and NSPCC, and Executive Director of Fundraising and Engagement at MS Society.Sayyeda Salam
Sayyeda Salam is the Executive Director of Concern Worldwide (UK). She joined the organisation in September 2024. Sayyeda has spent more than 20 years in the charity sector, where she has held roles across fundraising, partnerships, philanthropy, policy and advocacy, and operations. This includes working overseas in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tanzania and the Gulf. Sayyeda has dedicated her career to humanitarian work. She is a trustee of the Disasters Emergency Committee, and prior to joining Concern, she was the Partnerships and Philanthropy Director at Save the Children UK.Sir John Holmes
Sir John Holmes is the Chair of the British Red Cross and an Independent Parole board member. He previously Chaired IRC UK and was the Director of the Ditchley Foundation. He served as UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs. Prior to this John was the British Ambassador for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in France.Jane Cocking, OBE
Jane Cocking is a humanitarian practitioner and consultant who served as Chief Executive of the Mines Advisory Group from 2017 to 2020. She worked at Oxfam GB for 18 years, becoming Humanitarian Director in 2008. She was previously the Field Director and Programme Manager for Save the Children UK.Shahin Ashraf, MBE
Shahin Ashraf is Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide. She has served as Chair of the ICVA and of Solihull Faiths Forum and is a board member of both Arts Council England and Bond UK’s Afghanistan Working Group. She co-founded Lead Integrity and Islamic Relief USA.Vicki Metcalfe
Vicki Metcalfe is a Research Associate of the Humanitarian Policy Group. She has worked for the United Nations and international organisations in developing aid responses for conflict-affected states. She has also led UN and inter-agency policy development on protection of civilians, forced displacement, humanitarian negotiations, and peacekeeping.David Bowler
David Bowler is the Chief Executive of the Gunnersbury Community Interest Company. He was formerly the Chief Executive of the Fulham Community Partnership Trust, the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Vital Regeneration, and the Programme Director of The North Fulham New Deal for Communities.

Get in touch

Contact

For enquiries about the Humanitarian Memorial, the first anniversary programme, or how to get involved, please get in touch using the details below.Richard Blewitt, Chair of The Humanitarian Memorial Partnership
Email: [email protected]