New evidence reveals a compelling financial case for localizing humanitarian aid: Local organizations are delivering assistance in a more cost-efficient way than their international counterparts. And yet they remain woefully underfunded.
This week, donors, diplomats, and aid workers will gather in Geneva for the Grand Bargain annual summit to discuss the landmark 2016 commitment by aid agencies and donors to shift power and resources to the countries where humanitarian programs operate.
This year is on track to set yet another record for people in need of humanitarian assistance: 362 million and counting. Conflicts are spreading, resources are not keeping pace with this demand, and international humanitarian law is being routinely floated. But new evidence shows that the system is also failing on localizing aid, one of the central Grand Bargain commitments.
About the authors
Courtenay Cabot Venton
Courtenay Cabot Venton is an international development economist and founder and executive director of The Share Trust. She is known for her work with U.N. agencies and major donors to evaluate the effectiveness of social and environmental interventions in reducing poverty.
Hardin LangHardinLang1
Hardin Lang is vice president for programs and policy at Refugees International. He is a veteran of six United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian field missions.
