A More Localised Aid System: Current status discourse

Localisation, now a ubiquitous term within the aid system, refers to an ambitious, broad-ranging policy agenda to increase the power and funding of local actors in humanitarian response. It’s been a bumpy road localising the aid system despite high level rhetoric and commitments to doing so.

International organisations must confront complex challenges, sometimes at odds with their own success measures, and overcome other obstacles: legislation, risk appetite, the vetting and funding of many smaller organisations, accountability to taxpayers.

Meanwhile, local groups are becoming vocal and assertive in demanding power and independence as inequalities persist.

Slow progress can be seen in policies and pilots of approaches, but there is still little evidence to support localisation efforts or analysis of outcomes and impacts.