Introduction

Local actors are the backbone of humanitarian response - critical both as first responders in the onset of a crisis and as providers of sustained support. They are there before, during and after a crisis and provide the vast majority of humanitarian assistance. Since the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, work has continued through the Grand Bargain (GB) Localization Workstream and the IASC to deliver on commitments that reinforce the complementarity of international response with ongoing nationally and locally led response at country level. Meanwhile, local and national actors (LNAs) have also continued to work on the advancement of localization, not only through the GB and IASC but also in their respective contexts and through many other forums. 

There has been some progress, including significant policy shifts and practical action amongst a number of organizations and particularly donors. A number of UN agencies now provide “core costs” (unearmarked funding for overheads) to local actors, where previously they had been excluded. Some country-based pool funds (CBPF) contractually oblige fund recipients to share administrative costs and include duty of care elements into the budgets of their local partners. There is increased policy level support for LNA leadership and meaningful influence over international humanitarian coordination mechanisms at all levels (as outlined the in the Humanitarian Reset Roadmap), as well as increased presence and influence in Grand Bargain decision-making processes.  

Many challenges remain. There has been limited progress towards funding to local actors ‘as directly as possible’. Barriers remain including inequitable partnership approaches, and limited investment in institutional capacity strengthening. Risk sharing is uneven and due diligence, compliance, and reporting requirements remain significant barriers to local-led humanitarian action. 

Objectives

• Elevate the voices of LNAs to share their vision for the humanitarian system, their challenges, concerns and needs.
• To develop a clear picture of what will create the enabling environment for locally led action as part of the humanitarian reset.
• Promote new approaches to risk management and ways to support the safety, security and psychosocial wellbeing of local and national humanitarians.
• Share best practices around locally led coordination and what is needed for this to be effective and at scale.
• Explore innovative financing mechanisms and pathways to support locally led action, including both LNA institutional strengthening and operational footprint.
• Create synergies between processes – Grand Bargain, IASC Reset, UN80, as well as conversations as part of the thematic processes (such as around refugees and migrants, health, disasters and climate, cash, participation etc).
• Encourage meaningful dialogue between LNAs, donors, and intermediary organizations (UN, INGOs, RCRC Movement, private sector) to unpack barriers and paths forward.

Context for HNPW 2026

In 2026 we have a changed reality, precipitated by significant funding cuts from traditional humanitarian donors. Yet there appears to be a clear agreement – from donors, governments and humanitarians – on the principle that we all want to move to a more locally-led humanitarian system, and clear action points in the roadmap indicate some specific areas. The challenge is putting this into action and ensuring the right enabling environment.