To drive meaningful change by fostering ethical, inclusive, and strategic humanitarian and development initiatives that empower communities and promote sustainable growth globally and locally.
To unite with others in creating a world where every individual enjoys their full rights and where justice, equality, and dignity form the unshakable foundation of lasting peace and opportunity for all. I am committed to fostering inclusive communities that empower and uplift, where every voice is heard, and sustainable change drives a future grounded in resilience and shared humanity.
My academic pursuits at the Sudan University of Science and Technology paralleled active community engagement as I launched youth support initiatives and delved into scouting and volunteerism. These formative experiences taught me the importance of grassroots involvement and community-driven development.
Welcome to the professional platform of Ismael Mohamed Hagana, a visionary leader with over 19 years of excellence in humanitarian and development work. Through dedication, innovation, and transformative leadership, I have committed my career to addressing global challenges with practical and sustainable solutions. As the founder of Global Aid HAND International (GAH) and a published author in humanitarian diplomacy, my mission is to champion the causes of the world’s most vulnerable and pave pathways for resilience, equity, and long-term growth.
My professional journey in humanitarian work began with the Norwegian Refugee Council, where I specialized in Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA), gaining a foundational understanding of the legal and social support systems crucial in crisis settings. I later joined World Vision International in Darfur, where I deepened my expertise in crisis management during one of the region’s most challenging periods.
Contributing to the UNDP’s Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs in South Kordofan and Darfur further refined my conflict resolution and community rehabilitation skills. These roles prepared me to address complex challenges and reinforced my dedication to sustainable, peace-building efforts.
These experiences culminated in my founding of Global Aid HANDs, an organization dedicated to providing emergency relief, sustainable health services, and educational programs in conflict-affected areas. Under my leadership, Global Aid HANDs have alleviated immediate suffering and established frameworks for long-term resilience, impacting the lives of thousands across conflict zones. Through strategic initiatives, we’ve fostered self-reliance, strengthened community health, and empowered vulnerable groups with educational resources.
In addition to leading Global Aid HANDs, I work as a Strategic Humanitarian and Development Advisor, supporting initiatives that align with international humanitarian principles and focus on the best interests of affected populations. My advisory role spans program development, policy alignment, and cross-sectoral partnerships, all aimed at empowering individuals and communities with the tools and resources they need to overcome adversity.
My work has transcended geographic boundaries for nearly two decades, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing global challenges with empathy and strategic acumen. My active engagement in United Nations conferences has amplified the voices of Sudanese communities in crisis, ensuring they are represented on international platforms. Under my leadership, Global Aid HAND International attained consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)—a testament to our role in shaping global humanitarian and development agendas.
As a representative of Sudanese Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its Conflict Early Warning and Response Network (CEWARN), I have promoted dialogue and collaboration throughout the Horn of Africa. My efforts to foster peace and regional stability have extended through leadership roles with UNDP Sudan DDR, World Vision Sudan, and the Norwegian Refugee Council, where I tirelessly advocated for displaced populations and strengthened community resilience.
My pivotal contributions to Sudan’s delegation during the Juba Peace Agreement negotiations reflect my commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region. Through diplomacy, vision, and a dedication to justice, I have advanced conflict resolution and inclusivity, solidifying my reputation as a trusted leader in peacebuilding efforts.
As a founding member and the elected Secretary General of the Sudan NGOs Forum, I have united and empowered Sudanese civil society organizations, creating a cornerstone for advocacy, capacity-building, and collaboration. Together, we amplify the collective impact of Sudan’s humanitarian actors, working to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
This platform showcases my holistic vision for empowering communities, fostering peace, and driving sustainable development. I address pressing issues through inclusive and resilient solutions by combining grassroots insights with corporate strategies. Each initiative I lead goes beyond immediate relief, paving the way for stability, empowerment, and progress.
Through diverse food security, healthcare, protection, and community development programs, my work reflects a legacy of ethical leadership. I believe in creating pathways for justice, equity, and a brighter future for all. This platform invites policymakers, partners, and compassionate citizens to join a movement dedicated to turning global challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of ethical leadership. With the unwavering support of my family, who stood by me through the darkest days, I have led with integrity, resilience, and strategic foresight. Together, we can empower individuals and communities to overcome adversity, thrive with dignity, and build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s create a world where hope and opportunity prevail. Together, we can shape a better tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s create a brighter, more inclusive future together.
This website invites me to explore my work, values, and dedication to building a world where resilience, peace, and opportunity are accessible to all.
My work is grounded in transparency and ethical responsibility. I ensure that every decision upholds the dignity of those we serve.
Real change comes from within communities. I prioritize empowering local voices to take the lead in shaping their futures.
I believe in elevating all voices, particularly those from marginalized communities, and I strive to create spaces where diverse perspectives shape impactful solutions
Strong partnerships amplify impact. I value collaboration across sectors, cultures, and regions to achieve shared goals.
The dynamic nature of humanitarian work requires resilience. I approach each challenge with the flexibility to adapt and the tenacity to persist
Experience & Achievements
With over 20 years in humanitarian and development work, I have woven innovative thinking into practical solutions that address complex global challenges. My career milestones illustrate a profound commitment to sustainable change, community empowerment, and ethical leadership that bridges local realities with global goals.
A Lifelong Journey of Service and Empowerment
My journey in humanitarian and development work didn’t begin in a conference room or a crisis zone; it began in the heart of South Kordofan’s Nuba Mountains—an area deeply impacted by conflict and resilience. Growing up in one of Sudan’s most at-risk regions, my commitment to service was nurtured from childhood, when I first encountered the power of community support through scouting and local initiatives. Surrounded by an environment that demanded strength and compassion, I was deeply influenced by the role models around me, including my parents, whose dedication was evident both within our community and later I worked as teacher in Sudan’s Ministry of Education, working in the challenging environment of South Kordofan.
As a scout, I actively participated in school-based community initiatives and volunteer efforts, understanding firsthand the power of collective action. This early exposure to service planted the seeds of my lifelong commitment to humanitarian work, setting the foundation for a career devoted to uplifting and empowering communities in need.
These experiences instilled in me the values of responsibility, compassion, and the vital importance of community support. Working alongside my parents to nurture young minds under difficult conditions taught me that true service requires resilience and empathy. These foundational values have guided every step of my journey, from grassroots involvement to leading initiatives on global platforms, where I now advocate for sustainable, community-centered change.
Early Professional Foundations: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
My journey began at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), where I specialized in Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA). This foundational role allowed me to build skills in legal protection, rights awareness, and community counseling, particularly in crisis-affected areas. My experience at NRC laid the groundwork for understanding the critical role of legal frameworks and rights-based approaches in humanitarian work.
Deepening Impact in Crisis Management: World Vision International
In Darfur, I joined World Vision International, where I was immersed in crisis management during a period marked by intense regional conflict. This role further refined my crisis response capabilities, from emergency aid delivery to community resilience-building in the face of ongoing humanitarian crises. My work at World Vision involved coordinating health, nutrition, and WASH programs, which provided immediate relief while laying a foundation for longer-term recovery in conflict zones.
Conflict Resolution and Community Rehabilitation: UNDP
At the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), I contributed significantly to South Kordofan and Darfur’s Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs. This role deepened my expertise in conflict resolution, reintegration of displaced populations, and community rehabilitation. My work with UNDP underscored the importance of inclusive recovery strategies that address the social, economic, and psychological needs of communities emerging from conflict.
Global Representation and Advocacy
Throughout my career, I have actively participated in global conferences with the United Nations, IGAD, and other international platforms, representing Sudan and championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These engagements allowed me to advocate for peace, sustainable livelihoods, and human rights internationally, providing a voice for those affected by conflict and displacement.
By balancing global perspectives with local insights, I develop initiatives informed by international standards yet adaptable to regional contexts, ensuring relevance and sustainability at every level.
I am known for my resilience and solution-oriented mindset. I address complex issues effectively, maintaining composure and clarity even under pressure.
A skilled collaborator, I cultivate strategic partnerships with global and local entities, enhancing resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and collective impact.
I champion participatory approaches, ensuring every initiative genuinely reflects and serves the community's needs.
I am renowned for principled and inclusive leadership. I guide diverse teams through complex challenges with integrity and a commitment to ethical governance.
I have a unique ability to merge development best practices with corporate innovations, crafting strategies that drive measurable impact and foster long-term growth.
I excel at bridging the humanitarian and private sectors, delivering innovative solutions grounded in real-world applicability.
Humanitarian Work Overview
Welcome to a space dedicated to the extensive humanitarian endeavors led by Ismael Hagana. Through my visionary leadership at Global Aid HANDs and collaboration with global organizations, I have driven substantial humanitarian initiatives across the world’s most volatile regions, each aimed at addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term resilience.
Global Aid HANDs: Focused on Women and Child Protection
Global Aid HANDs is committed to protecting and empowering women and children in conflict-affected regions of Sudan, including Kordofan, Abyei, and Darfur. Focused efforts on gender-based violence (GBV) response and child protection have positioned GAH as a key player in addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations.
My peace-building efforts aim to foster dialogue and understanding among conflicting parties, laying the groundwork for sustainable peace and development in affected regions.
Health and Nutrition Initiatives
I have implemented health and nutrition programs targeting underserved communities in nine Sudanese states. These initiatives improve maternal and child health, combat malnutrition, and increase community health literacy, laying the foundation for long-term resilience and health improvements.
Emergency Aid and Recovery in Darfur
My work in Darfur includes emergency relief and infrastructure rebuilding. I have reduced mortality rates and vastly improved the quality of life for thousands of displaced families, offering them a path to recovery amid ongoing conflict.
Water and Sanitation Projects
Under my leadership, GAH has launched water and sanitation projects across South Kordofan, West Kordofan, White Nile, Abyei, and Gadarif, providing sustainable water solutions to remote villages. These projects improve local health outcomes, prevent waterborne diseases, and foster healthier communities.
Educational Programs for Displaced Children
GAH has set up educational programs for displaced and refugee children, ensuring they have continuous, safe access to education and maintain stability and hope during turbulent times.
Refugee Response Program
Our refugee programs address essential needs for shelter, food, medical care, and legal assistance. These efforts ensure that refugees are treated with dignity and have their basic needs met while away from their home countries.
Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate people toward a shared vision while fostering growth and trust
As part of my experience leading Global Aid HANDs, I took the initiative to spearhead the organization’s strategic expansion into Yemen. This country has faced relentless conflict and humanitarian challenges for years. This expansion was both a response to the urgent needs on the ground and a testament to our commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in some of the world’s most complex environments. Under my leadership, Global Aid HANDs established a comprehensive operational framework in Yemen aimed at addressing critical needs across education, protection, health, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services, all of which are essential to restoring dignity, stability, and hope within conflict-affected communities.
Through strategic planning and a deep understanding of Yemen’s unique context, I directed efforts to implement high-impact programs that provide immediate relief while building the foundation for long-term resilience. Our education programs have focused on ensuring continuity of learning for children whose education has been disrupted, creating safe, temporary learning spaces, providing necessary materials, and supporting teachers to deliver trauma-informed instruction. This approach helps to restore a sense of normalcy and security, critical for young people’s development amid crisis.
Our protection programs in Yemen are comprehensive and multi-faceted, addressing urgent needs in child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and legal support. Recognizing the vulnerability of children and women in conflict zones, we have established safe spaces, provided psychosocial support, and facilitated access to medical care and legal assistance, ensuring that survivors of violence can begin to heal and reclaim their autonomy. These services are designed to be culturally sensitive and community-centered, focusing on empowering individuals and promoting recovery with dignity.
Health and WASH initiatives have also been vital components of our expansion in Yemen, especially given the breakdown of infrastructure due to ongoing conflict. By prioritizing clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education, our programs help prevent disease outbreaks and improve community health. Additionally, our healthcare services focus on maternal and child health, addressing malnutrition, and providing access to essential medical resources in regions where such support is otherwise inaccessible.
The success of these programs has been made possible through dedicated partnerships with local organizations, international agencies, and community stakeholders, all of whom share our commitment to creating sustainable change. Together, we’ve been able to foster community resilience, enabling families not only to survive but also to begin the process of rebuilding their lives. This expansion into Yemen is a powerful example of Global Aid HANDs’ mission to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for lasting, positive transformation driven by a deep respect for the people and communities we serve.
Empowering Leaders, Fostering Change: The Global Reach, Building Resilience
Ismael Hagana has spearheaded transformational changes both within Sudan and internationally. His collective efforts at Global Aid Hands have delivered crucial humanitarian aid and created a nurturing environment for emerging leaders.
Empowering Leaders: This core initiative focuses on identifying and developing potential leaders among the volunteers. Through intensive training, mentorship, and hands-on crisis experience, these volunteers have grown into influential leaders, furthering their careers in international NGOs and UN agencies.
Sustainable Impact: Under Ismael’s guidance, Global Aid Hands has launched several sustainable development projects that address immediate crises and foster long-term resilience. These projects span health, education, and economic development, helping alleviate the effects of poverty and conflict and promote sustainable community growth.
Community Engagement and Development: Central to their strategy is the active involvement of local communities in project planning and implementation. This approach ensures that initiatives are well-suited to the communities’ needs, leading to more effective and lasting impacts.
Innovation and Advocacy: Ismael and his team also advocate for policy changes that support humanitarian and development objectives on a broader scale. Their relentless advocacy and strategic partnerships have brought international attention to the challenges the Sudanese people face, influencing policy and garnering global support.
Through these efforts, Ismael Hagana, Nahid Obaid, and their colleagues have transformed lives and cultivated a new generation of leadership in the humanitarian sector, ensuring that their legacy of positive impact endures.
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