August 2025 - Youth and Humanitarianism
- Hot Topics
- 5 days ago
- 11 min read
August is a particularly special month this year, featuring three events that connect in unexpected yet meaningful ways: National Moomin Day on the 9th, International Youth Day on the 12th, and World Humanitarian Day on the 19th.
If you find yourself wondering, “What do any of these have in common?” do not worry; the connections will become clear soon, and some of these events may also tie into recent Hot Topics you might recognise. Rather than going in chronological order, let’s flip things around for a change of pace.
So let us begin at the end - with World Humanitarian Day.
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19th, serves as an essential reminder of the ongoing and urgent need for compassion and action during times of crisis. It also celebrates those who respond with courage, whether addressing natural disasters, conflict zones, or humanitarian emergencies; these brave individuals provide care, courage, and hope where it is most needed. Additionally, this day also honours the legacy of those who inspire others to follow in their footsteps, reinforcing the idea that even in chaos and strife, humanity prevails.
But this global day of recognition and celebration stems from tragedy.
World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations in 2009 to mark the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. This devastating attack claimed the lives of 22 humanitarian workers, including one of the UN’s most respected figures — Brazilian diplomat Sérgio Vieira de Mello, who many believe was the intended target.
You may not have heard of him, or perhaps his name has faded over time, but Sérgio Vieira de Mello was known for his steady leadership, deep empathy, and ability to find common ground in the most fractured places on earth.
Sérgio Vieira de Mello: The Human Behind World Humanitarian Day
Despite the intention to intimidate and discourage other humanitarians, this assault backfired. Instead of scaring ongoing aid efforts to a halt, it sparked a wave of global resolve and a collective refusal to let senseless violence undermine compassion and dignity.
The loss of Sérgio Vieira de Mello was deeply personal to many. Citizens wept for a friend, Governments mourned a negotiator. UN staff grieved for a colleague. More unexpectedly, even rebel leaders and militia commanders who had sat across from him at peace talks expressed sorrow.
In places like East Timor, Lebanon, and Sudan, individuals who had previously been sceptical or outright opposed to the UN’s presence acknowledged that Sérgio had been different. He was a man who listened closely, understood local dynamics and treated all sides with equal amounts of respect.
No judgment, no bias, no finger-pointing; only a man willing to listen to everyone's side of the story with compassion during his 30 years of service.
In the years that followed the bombing, the international community agreed that there should be stronger protections for humanitarian workers and volunteers within active conflict zones. Even the UN began to question how its presence was perceived on the ground: Hear all sides out, adapt with reason, and earn trust instead of demanding it.
In the spirit of this day, let us delve into some of his decisive moments that continue to inspire humanitarian efforts 22 years later:
Supporting Cambodian refugees
In the 1980s, Sérgio worked alongside the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help hundreds of thousands of Cambodians who had escaped the Khmer Rouge regime and subsequent conflicts.
His role involved negotiating with various armed groups and governments to ensure aid could reach those in need, all while managing the extensive logistics of providing food, shelter, and medical care to a large displaced population.
Mediating during the Lebanese Civil War
During the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), Sérgio assumed a challenging new role as a senior political adviser to the UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL. What he found was eye-opening. To many of the groups involved in this conflict, the UN was perceived as a distant presence that issued appeals for peace that, while well-intentioned, felt removed from the complex issues and conflict taking place on the ground.
Realising this, Sérgio quickly noticed that the good intentions and status of the UN were not enough. He shifted from a purely idealistic outlook to a more pragmatic approach to listening to nearly everyone, literally. He listened to the concerns of local communities, militia leaders, and aid workers alike, which would otherwise be considered risky or go against strict protocols.
Leading UN efforts in East Timor (now Timor-Leste)
In the wake of a pivotal independence vote in 1999 for independence from Indonesia, East Timor was in disarray. Destroyed infrastructure, dismantled institutions and communities deeply scarred by violence.
Taking matters into his own hands, Sérgio emerged as a key figure in the monumental task of rebuilding the nation. He tackled everything from restoring law and order to laying the foundation for a functioning government, all the while showing humility and a deep respect for the local culture, so much so that his leadership in East Timor is often known as one of the most effective examples of post-conflict nation-building under the United Nations.
It would be easy to assume that Sérgio would have no adversaries. In reality, his efforts to promote Western-led peace initiatives in regions like Lebanon, Kosovo, and Iraq inadvertently placed him in the crosshairs of extremist groups. Though widely respected as a humanitarian, his perceived alignment with the United States led some to view him not as a neutral actor but as a symbol of foreign interference, where Western involvement was viewed with scepticism.
Everyday Humanitarians: The Humans of World Humanitarian Day
While figures like Sérgio Vieira de Mello leave a lasting mark on the world stage, it is essential to remember that World Humanitarian Day is about those who choose kindness or action in the face of hardship. They do not do so for a medal or clout; they do so for the sake of dignity. Whether comforting someone in distress, standing up for justice, volunteering to help make a safe space or offering up shelter to someone in a crisis, each action matters.
The 6th of August also marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. A significant act of war that served as a dire wake-up call to the rest of the world, highlighting the importance of civilian protection as a key humanitarian concern.
Perish the thought, but if a similar act of nuclear warfare were to occur today, it is unlikely that any organisation or state could respond swiftly or effectively enough to the overwhelming number of indiscriminate casualties from the blast, not to mention the survivors suffering from severe radiation poisoning or burns in the aftermath.
During the memorial service held in Peace Memorial Park, schoolchildren from local elementary schools took to the podium to emphasise the importance of remembering those impacted by this tragedy and, more importantly, vowing to ensure that a dark moment in history like this never happens again.
International Youth Day
Speaking of, some of the most powerful acts of compassion come from those whom you least expect, including the aforementioned young ‘uns. Often dismissed for being “chronically online” and “glued to screens”, the youth of today are among the most agile and creative responders to such causes.
Just like World Humanitarian Day, this event also has ties to the UN, as August 12th marks the date when the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 set the framework for the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY). Some of which also align closely with many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Wondering about WPAY? Click the link below.
However, while young people are often celebrated for their fresh takes and creatively optimistic ideas, they are also starting from behind, living with the consequences of the past.
Writers Local Walkabout - Peaceful Protest
Interjecting with a personal recount of a recent event here, I, the writer, was reminded of this just as recently as July 25th, where a protest was held in support of Palestine.
Some reporters covered the main event in detail, but I would like to take a moment to explain what happened from a less-reported perspective: That of a bystander unknowingly in the midst of it.
It was a day like any other when I was waiting for a bus after a busy day. I happened to be sitting on a statue, headphones on, waiting for a bus to begin a commute. To pass the time and relax, I glanced down at my phone for something to do. By the time I paused to look up once more, I found myself surrounded by people carrying pots, pans, and Palestinian flags. But what struck a chord the most was the makeup of the crowd itself.
There were individuals from all walks of life: students, families, councillors, students and other passersby who had decided to stop and stay. But among them, what stood out the most were the children near the back who were the most alert within the crowd, ready to bang valiantly and learn more about what is happening in the world.
National Moomin Day
This brings us to the final (and probably most unexpected) day of note in August.
In case it has not become apparent, the main takeaway from this month’s Hot Topic is that every humanitarian who acts out of the kindness of their own heart was at one point learning what those words meant. Values do not just appear out of thin air, but are shaped by what is seen, felt, and experienced.
For one guest contributor, growing up in the UK during the 70s and 80s meant being surrounded by all sorts of loud, surreal, and sometimes terrifying children’s television. But among the noise, one show stood out, which also seems to be celebrated - The Moomins.
What seemed like yet another quirky cartoon adaptation of some storybooks became, in hindsight, a quiet life lesson.
What is a Moomin?
Moomins, at first glance, are a family of soft, white, round creatures that look a bit like hippos, but they are a species all their own - wood spirits, to be exact.
They live in a lush valley (known as Moominvalley) filled with fantastical characters, curious creatures, and moments of stillness.
Created by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson, the Moomin stories may appear childlike on the surface, but they explore deep themes including identity, loss, environmental care, and the quiet power of kindness.
In the spirit of International Youth Day, our guest reflects on how the stories we grow up with can shape the values we carry forward — and how The Moomins, of all things, offered an unexpected path into thinking like a humanitarian.
Most people born in the UK in the 1970s or 80s spent a childhood traumatised by many TV shows and films, including sharks eating people, poltergeists grabbing children and dragging them into other dimensions, or giant puppet demon wolves chasing children into the "nothingness".
One of those child-altering shows was a little animation from Finland called The Moomins.
Most people often forget about the Moomins, knee deep in Grange Hill, He-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. That is, until you mention the impact the show had on them as a child, with its tales of dark woods, dangerous creatures, and characters that could literally chill you to the bone.
Enter: the Groke – the embodiment of despair and loneliness! The ground freezes beneath her, and her icy presence leaves others thinking forlorn thoughts. She seeks warmth and light, but it always eludes her, so her lonely roaming continues.
When I grew up, I moved to Finland, and I inevitably found out more about the writer of this life-changing series. I also learned that Tove Jansson is considered a national hero, akin to the composer Sibelius.
She was born in 1941, the daughter of Viktor Jansson, a famous sculptor.
"My father was a melancholy man, but when a storm threatened, he became a different person: cheerful, entertaining and ready to join his children in dangerous adventures." - Tove Jansson.
Viktor Jansson's traumatic experiences during the war had a lasting impact on his family and became woven into Tove's childhood memoir, Sculptor's Daughter. While Victor's memories were hidden during the day, they would often resurface during nighttime gatherings, spilling out in vivid recollections. It may explain the despair embodied by some of her characters.
Yes, I know we are still talking about children's books!
Ironically, "Moomin ideology" is based on the idea of connecting and celebrating each individual's uniqueness. Above all, these stories are still cherished for their heartfelt portrayal of friendship and love, eighty years on from the first story called The Moomins and the Great Flood.
Truly ahead of their time, the Moomins personify equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as the demons the author herself battled. Tove Jansson lived through periods of significant social and political change, including the aftermath of war and the evolving roles of women in society.
As a woman in the mid-20th century, she faced gender-based inequality in both her professional and personal life, especially in the male-dominated fields of art and literature.
Despite her immense success, Jansson often encountered sexism and the constraints of being a female artist in a world that did not always acknowledge her as an equal to her male counterparts. She also faced challenges in navigating her career alongside her personal desires, as the expectations for women at the time were often focused on the traditional roles of wife and mother.
However, her works, particularly the Moomin books, can be seen as reflecting a quiet resistance to these conventional roles, depicting characters who are free-spirited, independent, and often defy societal expectations. Through her art, Jansson pushed boundaries, and her nonconformity was a subtle yet powerful statement against the limited roles women were frequently forced into.
Tove Jansson's sexual orientation has been a subject of discussion in recent years, particularly as more details of her personal life have come to light. Jansson was openly in a relationship with women, most notably with the Finnish artist and writer Tuulikki Pietilä, with whom she had a long and loving relationship. Their relationship lasted for over 30 years, and Pietilä was a significant part of Jansson's personal and creative life.
Tove Jansson's struggles with inequality and her sexual orientation were thus intertwined with the challenges she faced as a woman and an artist in a society that was not always accepting of non-heteronormative identities.
Another key theme in her books is protecting our environment. Akin to Tolkien, Tove created the wonderful character of Snufkin, who is the embodiment of the Green Man and sustainability, in a similar vein to the role of Tom Bombadil in The Lord of the Rings.
Snufkin's love for nature is evident in his lifestyle. He avoids unnecessary possessions, favouring a minimalist existence, which aligns with the principles of sustainability by focusing on what is truly needed and not over-consuming resources.
Snufkin's indifference to material wealth or status makes him a counterpoint to consumerism, highlighting the importance of valuing the environment over unnecessary consumption.
He often rejects the social pressures of owning more and living a conventional lifestyle. He also values the importance of sustainable mental health, championing the importance of enjoying one's own company.
Snufkin represents a sustainable way of life—one that values the earth, its ecosystems, and the preservation of resources, all while living in harmony with the natural world.
You may think this is just a simple children's tale, but I ask you, whoever could be reading, to consider the impact and power of Tove's characters and themes in line with other "children's" authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
What can they teach us about our own morality, diversity and positive self-image? Does she allow us as children and adults to challenge how we see the world and the importance of being ourselves and doing "the right thing"?
So, if you hear a harmonica playing one spring day when out in the woods or your local park, take a moment to consider it could be Snufkin reminding you of the value of inner peace, the satisfaction of just being you, and the wonder of the universe and our diverse culture.
Areas to think about:
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
How do the diverse characters in the Moomin books represent different aspects of inclusion?
Can you identify any moments when characters display equality and empathy towards others?
How can the stories of characters who are marginalised, like the Groke, teach us about the importance of inclusivity and understanding of mental health and loneliness?
Sustainability:
How do characters like Snufkin embody sustainable living?
Can we learn from his minimalist approach to life?
How do themes of nature and conservation in the Moomins inspire us to protect our environment today?
Mental Health:
How does Snufkin's ability to enjoy his own company and live independently relate to the importance of mental health and well-being?
What can we learn from his example about the value of self-acceptance and the need for personal space in fostering happiness?
Mental Health:
Discussion points for Democracy, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Rule of Law
If mutual respect means giving all voices equal weight, should those with the potential to cause harm also be considered worthy of consideration?
Is there a difference between being kind and being a humanitarian?
Would you class yourself as a humanitarian?
Are there any laws that can hinder humanitarian efforts?