HUMANITE is a global peace collective working to reduce the inequalities and exclusions in fragile states that lead to violence. Founded by refugees and war survivors, HUMANITE takes a unique, survivor-led approach to local peace, prioritizing full-cycle support for the communities it serves, before, during, and after war.
With over 15 years of experience together, HUMANITE’s founding team has raised $100M, served 2M people, and created over $1B in economic uplift. Their humanitarian work has been covered by The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, the BBC, Al Jazeera, and countless others.
As an organization founded by refugees and war survivors, HUMANITE challenges the status quo of humanitarian aid and brings a fresh, local perspective to the sector, aiming to raise the quality of work and impact for people in need.
On September 22, 2022, Olena Zelenska presented her Foundation during a charity evening in New York City during the 77th UN General Assembly. The Foundation’s primary goal is to restore Ukraine’s human capital so that every Ukrainian feels physically and mentally healthy, protected, and able to exercise their right to education, work, and build a future in Ukraine. The Foundation has three key directions: healthcare, education and humanitarian aid. Within these areas, the Foundation provides targeted assistance to Ukrainians who have lost their homes due to the war, as well as to large foster families from the frontline regions. It supplies technology to teachers and students who cannot attend schools due to the war, and also repairs shelters in schools and kindergartens. The key healthcare project is the restoration of the Izium Hospital in the Kharkiv region.
“The humanitarian needs across Ukraine today are profound. In this hour of need, we turn to you, our friends in North America, for love and support. We wish you enjoy amazing performances, feel inspired with Ukrainian culture, and be sure that only life can triumph over death, only light can overcome darkness, and only beauty can defeat destruction.”
– First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska