Abdul Kadir Khan is a Doctoral Researcher in Development Studies at the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Ģֱ, Finland. His research critically examines the localization of humanitarian aid, with a focus on the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh—one of the most significant refugee emergencies in recent history. His work not only seeks to unravel the complexities of international aid but also advocates for strengthening local actors in humanitarian responses.
A native of Bangladesh, Abdul’s academic journey is internationally rooted. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, majoring in Political Science, from the University of Dhaka. He then pursued dual Master’s degrees in Norway—an MSc in International Development Studies from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and an MPhil in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Oslo. These diverse academic experiences have equipped him with a unique perspective on development, peacebuilding, and conflict sensitivity in the Global South.
Abdul's research interests span critical areas such as climate change, migration, refugee crises, forcible displacement, and the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus. He is particularly focused on the role of international and local NGOs in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, negotiation, and the localization of humanitarian efforts, especially in contexts shaped by climate change and mass displacement.
As a lecturer, Abdul is passionate about fostering future leaders in development and humanitarian fields. He teaches and coordinates the master’s-level course “Civil Society Organizations in Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Action” at the Ģֱ, where he guides students in exploring the roles of civil society in addressing complex global challenges.
Abdul is an active researcher who has published and presented widely on topics such as foreign aid, humanitarian action, civic space, and conflict mitigation. He remains open to collaboration, eager to contribute to cutting-edge research and policy discussions on these pressing global issues.