Navigating change in 2026: A conversation with Program Director Kees Zevenbergen
In 2026, Malteser International needs to navigate a humanitarian landscape defined by rapid change, increasing crises, and tightening resources. In this interview, Program Director Kees Zevenbergen discusses his vision for the year ahead, outlining how the organization plans to adapt, innovate, and remain a vital force in humanitarian aid during these challenging times.
As we welcome 2026, what resolutions have you set for yourself, and how do they inspire your work at Malteser International?
Kees Zevenbergen: I have not set any specific resolutions for 2026. The world around us is changing so rapidly that I feel that to be inappropriate. We are facing what amounts to a worldwide ‘humanitarian reset’. Our sector is facing historic funding shortages, coordination challenges, and a crisis of legitimacy. What I do commit to during 2026 is an open mind and a keen eye to all those changes and to act accordingly. My aim is to support Malteser International in properly navigating those changes so it can remain a relevant and effective humanitarian actor. At its core, this reset is about creating a faster, lighter, more accountable, and locally‑driven humanitarian system, which is able to respond effectively both today and in the future. It is the people we serve who feel the impact of funding cuts most acutely. We adapt continuously so we can keep serving people as best we can.
"It is the people we serve who feel the impact of funding cuts most acutely. We adapt continuously so we can keep serving people as best we can."
- Kees Zevenbergen, Program Director of Malteser International
What are your top priorities as Program Director for Malteser International this year?
Kees Zevenbergen: To remain relevant in this changing world, Malteser International needs to maintain the highest quality standards in its work whilst increasing its financial independence. Our top priorities for 2026 include further focusing on those areas where Malteser International truly excels – such as health, food and nutrition security (FNS), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as emergency relief. Alongside this, we will continue to improve the efficiency of our operations, and assure that we continue to deliver state-of-the-art services to people in need. At the same time, it is of paramount importance that Malteser International remains a fine workplace for our dedicated staff, who have to navigate these uncertainties and adapt to the changes across their fields of work. Supporting our team is essential to making sure they can continue to deliver outstanding humanitarian work.
Despite these significant challenges, what are you most excited about for 2026 – both in your personal work life and within the organization?
Kees Zevenbergen: I look forward to genuinely collaborative action with all our colleagues in order to navigate the changes ahead of us. It is only through deep engagement with one another that we can adapt as well as maintain our unity as an organization. Apart from that, I really look forward to a number of visits to our colleagues and partners on the ground who work together with the people that we support. Witnessing firsthand the realities faced by communities affected by crisis, seeing our projects come to life, and connecting directly with the people we serve fills my work life with meaning.
On which issues will Malteser International focus on throughout 2026?
Kees Zevenbergen: All the regions where we are able to provide assistance are close to our hearts. However, the Middle East will be an important focus region in the coming period. As a relief organization of the Sovereign Order of Malta, we have deep roots there and can make a significant difference. The situation will remain highly volatile. This means that our efforts there are both urgent and significant, especially in Lebanon, Syria as well as in Gaza. In Lebanon, for example, Malteser International will launch its biggest package of activities to date this year in collaboration with our longstanding partner Ordre de Malte Lebanon.
What message would you like to share with the Malteser International community and supporters at the start of the new year?
Kees Zevenbergen: Malteser International can and will remain a dedicated humanitarian actor serving those who need it most as long as we believe in our joint mission and are willing to invest our time, dedication, creativity, and energy in the works of the organization; and as long as our supporters are willing and able to back us up with their continued support. Together, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing hardship. It is worth our while!
(January 2026)
