Sinead Kanlioglu
Client Services Director - Social Enterprise|Kerv Digital
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Get in touchPublished 19/11/25 under:
From the 27th – 29th October, I had the privilege of attending the 30th NetHope Global Summit in Amsterdam – a gathering that brought together NGOs, technology partners, and global development leaders united by a shared purpose: harnessing digital innovation for good. With a focus on real-world expertise and cross-sector collaboration, the Summit provided opportunities to share insights, build partnerships, and align on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Summit reaffirmed what we see every day in our work with nonprofits: the most successful digital transformations happen when we collaborate with our clients as trusted partners, united by a shared purpose.
What the Summit Theme Meant to Us
This year’s theme – Stronger Together – could not have been more timely. After a year defined by political and economic turbulence, it was both humbling and inspiring to see how the sector continues to adapt, evolve, and stay true to its mission. The collective energy in the room was a powerful reminder that even in difficult times, collaboration and creativity thrive
At Kerv, our mission has always been clear – to empower nonprofits to achieve greater impact through harnessing the power of technology. But technology alone is never the answer. The true power lies in how we apply it – through partnership, co-creation, and trust.
That’s why the Summit’s theme, “Stronger Together,” struck such a deep chord with us. It reflects our belief that progress in the nonprofit sector happens when technology providers and mission-driven organisations work hand in hand.
When we partner with nonprofits, we don’t see ourselves as just solution implementers – we see ourselves as trusted collaborators truly invested in their mission outcomes. Together, we can design digital solutions that enable staff, volunteers, and communities to work smarter, respond faster, and create real, sustainable impact.
The Summit Sessions
The opening plenary, “The Year That Tested Us,” perfectly set the tone for the Summit, by showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that underpins our sector – from the rapid adoption of AI to the digital transformation of humanitarian response. One moment that particularly stood out for me was a touching video presented by Marc Spiotta from Microsoft and the Costa Rica Red Cross, demonstrating how technology is helping local teams digitise their services to reach more people in need.
Sessions like Women in Tech also highlighted the importance of inclusive digital transformation – not just in outcomes, but in leadership and opportunity too. Across the Summit’s sessions, one insight was clear throughout – digital transformation is no longer optional. It’s an essential journey for every nonprofit aiming to amplify their impact.
The impact circles gave an opportunity for a smaller group of attendees to come together to discuss more specific topics. I was delighted to be part of the circle ably led by Nicole Smith from UNHCR focused on ‘How continuous feedback can lead to better data tools’.
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we see technology as the foundation for resilience, agility, and inclusion in the nonprofit sector. Whether it’s empowering staff with collaborative tools, using AI to accelerate insights, or ensuring data is secure in the cloud – we believe technology should enable organisations to focus more time and energy on what truly matters most: their mission.
Stronger Together
Networking at NetHope is always a highlight, and this year was no exception. It was great to connect with the Microsoft Elevate Team, WaterAid and a host of new faces from the NGO community. It was a home from home as well as I got to meet the strong Irish representation from Concern, Trócaire, and GOAL. These conversations reinforced just how interconnected our efforts are — each organisation bringing its own strengths, but all moving toward the same shared vision of using technology to create lasting social impact.
As I left Amsterdam, I felt a deep sense of pride in being part of this community. Partnering with these organisations and supporting the work they do is a privilege. For all the challenges our world faces, it’s reassuring to know there’s an army of people working tirelessly – and collaboratively – for good.
Together, we’ll continue to harness the best of Microsoft technology to create meaningful change, strengthen communities, and truly embody what it means to be stronger together.
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