First Anniversary of National Humanitarian Memorial Marked
Over 150 guests from global humanitarian community come to Gunnersbury Park
The event brought together policymakers, government delegates and humanitarian organisations
October 9, 2026
Gunnersbury Park & Museum has marked the first anniversary of the UK’s permanent Humanitarian Memorial with a day of events attended by more than 150 representatives from across the international humanitarian community.
The memorial, created by British artist Michael Landy, was unveiled in 2025 and stands in Gunnersbury Park as a national tribute to humanitarian workers and to communities affected by crises around the world.
The anniversary programme, held on 2 October, brought together policymakers, government delegates, UK-based humanitarian organisations and community representatives connected to humanitarian work. Central to the day was a round-table discussion examining the increasingly challenging conditions faced by humanitarian workers globally. Participants explored issues including violence, detention and harassment, and discussed the need for stronger protection for those working in conflict and crisis settings.
Young people also played a significant role in the anniversary events. Gunnersbury’s Learning Team worked with artist Zafeerah Heesambee and students from a local Ealing school on an arts project that encouraged participants to reflect on humanitarian themes and express their views creatively. The programme highlighted the connection between global humanitarian issues and local communities, and the role of education in shaping future engagement.
Following the discussion and workshops, delegates gathered at the memorial for a commemorative ceremony before continuing to Gunnersbury Museum for a reception. The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Faduma Mohammed, addressed attendees, noting the importance of the memorial both to international communities and to local residents with personal links to regions where humanitarian interventions are taking place.
David Bowler, CEO of Gunnersbury Park & Museum, said the memorial’s presence in the park carries particular significance. He noted that hosting a national memorial to humanitarian workers is a privilege, and that its location in a diverse community strengthens the connection between global humanitarian challenges and local experience.
The Humanitarian Memorial was designed as a place of reflection, honouring humanitarian workers who have lost their lives while serving communities worldwide, and recognising the millions affected by humanitarian crises. Its setting in Gunnersbury Park provides a public space where remembrance, learning and community engagement can come together.
Gunnersbury Park & Museum says it will continue developing its work with the Humanitarian Memorial Partnership, bringing together local communities, young people and the wider humanitarian sector to explore the relationship between global humanitarian issues and life in the UK.
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