About our international engagement
SSI International works to strengthen the global systems that shape the lives of the communities we serve.
Through advocacy, policy influence, capacity building, and amplifying lived experience, we collaborate with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and local partners to design evidence-based, human-rights-driven solutions.
Whether advising on international policy reform, delivering training to community-based organisations, or contributing to UN-led forums, our engagement is globally recognised and deeply grounded in community.
We don’t just engage in global conversations—we help shape them.
How we work
Guided by international human rights frameworks and SSI’s core values of Respect, Accountability and Inclusion, the SSI International team bring a global lens to SSI’s vision for a more inclusive world.
For over 10 years, we have built a strong and growing global presence by contributing practical expertise, evidence-informed insights, and deep community connections to the international humanitarian and migration sectors.
Here’s a snapshot of our global footprint:
7
submissions
made to UN lead forums on average annually.
11
global consultations
participated in on on resettlement, gender equality and complementary pathways
4
capacity building initiatives
launched, including with APRRN and A&D
FY24 and FY25
With a wide scope of opportunity, our work is focused on three interconnected themes—migration and displacement, gender justice, and lived experience leadership—where we are best placed to champion change and advocate for inclusive, equitable solutions.
We work to uphold the rights and dignity of people on the move. Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees and other instruments, we advocate for equitable responsibility-sharing through solutions such as resettlement, complementary pathways to safety.
We work on challenging gender inequality and supporting the leadership, safety, and rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
We invest in the leadership and knowledge of local organisations, ensuring that those with lived experience drive decisions, shape solutions, and lead change within their communities.
Sector Leadership
We share our proven models of settlement and inclusion with peers, governments and civil society, participate in global research, and support the design of sustainable, human rights-based solutions.
Through participation in 15 regional working groups across Asia-Pacific and presentations at forums such as the Global Refugee Forum and the Commission on the Status of Women, we actively lead conversations that shape the sector and drive the adoption of evidence-based approaches worldwide.
Policy Influence
We translate evidence and lived experience into meaningful national and international policy reform that protects rights and expands opportunities for displaced communities.
By engaging with international instruments, developing formal submissions, and collaborating with key agencies and networks, we help shape policies that matter—actively contributing to the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact on Migration.
Capacity Building
We strengthen civil society and local leadership through capacity building initiatives that foster sustainable systems and resilient communities that can respond to challenges and drive long-term impact.
Through training, mentoring, and technical support, we’ve delivered initiatives with partners such as UNHCR, APRRN, and Ancestry & Development, reaching over 100 leaders across the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, and supporting APNOR’s humanitarian relief efforts in Afghanistan.
Amplifying Lived Experience
We centre the insight, leadership, and voices of people with lived experience, ensuring they shape policies, programs, and advocacy efforts at every level.
From training Afghan and Rohingya women to provide legal advice under restrictive laws, to supporting refugee leaders’ participation in global forums like the Commission on the Status of Women, we invest in meaningful engagement that empowers communities.
We build strong, collaborative relationships with governments, NGOs, UN agencies, civil society, and local organisations to amplify impact and strengthen systems that serve displaced and marginalised communities.
Collaboration in action: ‘Food for Life’ parcels – APNOR partnership
In response to escalating humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, in 2023 SSI partnered with the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR) to deliver urgent, life-sustaining support to displaced communities.
- Over 1,660 ‘Food for Life’ parcels distributed.
- Reached approximately 10,000 people, with a focus on women without employment or income.
- 150+ emergency cash handouts provided to families facing critical need.
- 200+ winterisation kits—including blankets and heaters—distributed to protect families during harsh conditions.
- Provided technical support to APNOR, including training, mentoring and governance support.
Our vision is to be recognised as a global leader in promoting inclusion and creating a world where everyone has equal access to opportunities.
SSI is committed to making a positive global impact through our International Strategy. With a focus on advocacy, capacity building, partnerships, and policy engagement, we work to support the needs of forcibly displaced people, migrants and host communities worldwide.
If you’re interested in learning more about our work or discussing potential collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.
Carmen Ghaly
cghaly@ssi.org.au
- Read our latest submission to the UN’s ECOSOC High-level Segment on advancing inclusive, evidence-based solutions for sustainable development here.
- SSI was honoured to host a delegation of South Korean leaders representing the non-profit, legal, social economy, development, and child welfare sectors. Read more.