To showcase, share and explore best practice in humanitarian, aid and development sector mentoring
This conference took place on the 17th September 2026 and what a successful and joyful day we had! We had over 90 participants joining us during the sessions — Browse the agenda below to view the recordings.
Thank you to all the kind participants who made a donation to the conference to enable us to continue with our Global Connect work. This money is being used to fund Global Mentor Connect 2027.
We will announce our 2027 conference date in early 2027.
2026 Conference Agenda
10:00
Welcome and opening remarks — Lis Merrick
10:15
Keynote: Mentoring for Social Change — Bob Garvey
This Keynote presentation explores the issue of ‘mentoring for social change’. Mentoring for social change addresses social justice issues, power, and systemic in equality. It examines the role of the mentor, key theoretical influences, and ethical tensions through the lens of critical analysis of a case study, highlighting both the transformative potential and the risks for socially engaged mentoring.
Professor (Emeritus) Dr Bob Garvey is a member of the Coach Mentoring Ltd. team. He is an internationally recognised academic practitioner of mentoring and coaching. Bob is the recipient of both the EMCC Mentor Award and the Coaching at Work, Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to mentoring. He is a widely published researcher, experienced mentor and coach, and highly regarded keynote speaker and workshop facilitator where he is known for his lively, engaging and challenging style.
11:00
WWF digitally supported mentoring, global know-how transfer — Helma Brandlmaier
After seven years and 1,500 participants from more than 60 countries, WWF’s Global Mentoring Programme scaled using a Human Digital Hybrid approach. Helma Brandlmaier will explore the journey of WWF’s Mentoring programme from a pilot/ small thematic cohorts to a global programme open to the global WWF Network across all functions and regions. She will provide information on key benefits to staff across WWF´s global network, including for women and staff from the global South.
Helma will showcase experiences on how Mentoring supports know-how transfer, peer learning and personal and professional growth. WWF´s programme strengthens a learning culture and knowledge sharing across WWF; it supports communication and collaboration, particularly across organisational and regional boundaries and builds leadership skills.
11:30
Break
11:45
Panel discussion on the benefits of mentoring — Paula Brennan
This panel brings together practitioners from across the humanitarian and development sectors to explore the real-world benefits of mentoring. Drawing on personal experience, panellists will share what works, what doesn’t, and why mentoring matters in complex, resource-constrained environments.
Expect honest reflections, practical insights, and ideas you can take back into your own organisation.
12:15
Networking amongst delegates in small breakout rooms
13:00
Showcasing Global Mentor Connect — Lydia Sparrow
This session brings Global Mentor Connect to life through the voices of current mentors and mentees sharing their experiences of in action. Launched in 2026, Global Mentor Connect has already created 110 matches across 67 countries, connecting leaders who may never otherwise have met across borders, organisations, contexts and time zones.
Hear honest accounts of what it means to be part of a truly global mentoring community, and discover how structured international mentoring is supporting leadership growth, professional development and wellbeing around the world.
13:30
Break
13:45
AFP panel discussion on mentoring in the sector — Charlotte Balfour-Poole
Mentoring continues to play a vital role across the sector supporting leadership development, strengthening collaboration, and helping colleagues navigate complex global challenges and uncertain times. But what does effective mentoring really look like in practice?
This interactive panel brings together Agency Focal Points to share honest reflections from their mentoring programmes; exploring what’s working, where challenges persist, and how approaches are evolving.
Drawing on real experience, panellists will discuss:
- The shift from informal to more structured mentoring approaches
- Common challenges such as access, engagement, and power dynamics
- The impact mentoring is having on individuals, teams, and organisational culture
Whether you’re designing a mentoring programme, supporting participants, or simply interested in how mentoring can strengthen your organisation, this session will offer practical insights and fresh perspectives. Join us to learn, reflect, and connect with others shaping the future of mentoring across the sector.
14:30
Global Women’s Connect Launch — Lydia Sparrow
This session marks the official launch of Global Women’s Connect — a global learning and community space created by women, for women, centred on leadership, mentoring, coaching and shared reflection.
Come and hear about the vision behind the initiative, what membership offers, and the exciting new mentoring programme opening for applications. Whether you are looking to grow as a leader, connect with a global network of like-minded women, or give back through mentoring, this is your moment to get involved and advocate for others. Sign up, ask questions, and be part of something new.
15:00
Closing discussion — Lis Merrick
15:15
Further networking and discussion about the future of mentoring in the sector for those who want to stay