EHNCF Welcomes UNOCHA Leadership and Applauds EHF’s Pioneering Localization Strategy for Humanitarian Reform.
EHNCF Calls for United Action on Localization: Celebrating UNOCHA-EHF Breakthrough in Humanitarian Localization Strategy
In a defining moment for Ethiopia’s humanitarian architecture, the Ethiopian Humanitarian National CSOs Forum (EHNCF) warmly welcomed the leadership of UNOCHA and celebrated the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund’s (EHF) landmark achievement in developing a bold and transformative localization strategy.
Moving beyond traditional humanitarian approaches, this strategy sets a new precedent for inclusive, locally led response systems. EHNCF calls on all humanitarian actors to model this vision and actively participate in its implementation. We also invite key government bodies—including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ACSO, and EDRMC—to recognize and join in supporting this groundbreaking reform.
Brief Statement on the Current UNOCHA Localization Commitment
In a significant stride toward principled, locally led humanitarian reform, UNOCHA Ethiopia has developed a comprehensive localization strategy grounded in inclusive engagement, transparency, and proximity to affected communities.
The Ethiopian Humanitarian National CSOs Forum (EHNCF) played a pivotal role in this process by convening its diverse membership to provide substantive input and local insight. UNOCHA’s technical team welcomed and integrated these contributions, ensuring the strategy reflects the lived realities and aspirations of Ethiopia’s frontline responders.
EHNCF member organizations have reaffirmed their commitment to translating this strategy into action—with integrity, humility, and a community-first approach to humanitarian service.
Localization in Humanitarian Action: Global Leaders Endorse Community-Led Humanitarian Reform
“We must shift power toward our humanitarian leader’s in-country and toward the communities we serve. Localization is not just a reform—it’s a moral and strategic imperative.”
— Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
“Humanitarian aid workers are laying foundations for resilience, recovery, and rehabilitation. Localization is central to this mission.”
— Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia
“This strategy is a bold step toward shifting power, resources, and decision-making closer to affected communities.”
— Paul Handley, UNOCHA Representative in Ethiopia
Call to Action
EHNCF calls on donors, government bodies, and international partners to decisively align their funding, policies, and operational practices with the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) Localization Strategy—placing local humanitarian leadership and community accountability at the forefront. Empowering national CSOs and strengthening inclusive, collaborative platforms is not only an ethical obligation, but it is the proven pathway to transformative impact.
The Ethiopian Humanitarian National CSOs Forum (EHNCF) affirms its unwavering commitment to advancing the localization strategy as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable humanitarian action. In alignment with nationally led priorities and collective sectorial efforts, we encourage all development and humanitarian actors to adopt clear, context-sensitive localization approaches.
We kindly urge that ongoing efforts remain focused on strengthening—not diminishing—the scope and integrity of localization, recognizing its central role in empowering communities and fostering meaningful local leadership. We urge all stakeholders to embrace the localization agenda intentionally and uphold the guiding principle: “as local as possible, as international as necessary.”
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