The U.S. Agency for International Development has published its long-awaited policy on locally led humanitarian assistance, one that outlines how the world’s largest donor will steer more money — and decision-making power — to organizations on the front lines of crisis.
“Together, we have the chance to unlock the extraordinary potential of our local partners to meet emergency needs and to accelerate lasting recovery,” said USAID Administrator Samantha Power at Thursday’s online launch.
Power’s remarks were met with a near-ceaseless flurry of hearts, applause, and thumbs up icons from the audience, which consisted of some 1,000 people from 100 different countries across the world. For many, the policy’s launch represented a tipping point — and a new way forward for humanitarian aid.