The discourse surrounding the localization of aid has permeated the humanitarian sector for years, recognizing the imperative of bringing power and resources closer to the people and communities aid organizations serve. This approach acknowledges the invaluable capabilities and expertise of local actors, who often act as the first responders during crises and possess an intimate understanding of the local context, culture, and needs.

Seizing the Opportunity

The crisis in Ukraine presents a unique opportunity to propel the aid localization agenda forward. Following the Russian invasion, Ukrainian civil society demonstrated its resilience by launching a successful nationwide relief effort. However, the subsequent influx of international aid through traditional channels has bypassed or diminished the role of Ukrainian responders, hindering the development of community resilience and undermining the essence of future sustainability.

The Need for Change

It is evident that a transformative shift is imperative. Ukraine boasts a robust civil society, a network of local organizations, and a legion of dedicated volunteers that have played instrumental roles in responding to the crisis. However, despite their capabilities, these local actors often face daunting challenges in navigating the complex and occasionally inaccessible international humanitarian system.

The idea of an Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Leadership Hub

To address these challenges, the concept of a Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Leadership Hub has emerged. Serving as a dynamic platform, this Hub would enable Ukrainian civil society and volunteer networks to access formal international coordination mechanisms, primarily centralized in Kyiv. In addition, the Hub would facilitate advocacy efforts aimed at driving key reforms, including ethical hiring practices, equitable partnership agreements, and the provision of fair overheads to all grantees and sub-grantees. Crucially, the Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Leadership Hub holds the potential to catalyze a momentous shift in power, entrusting Ukrainian hands with control over humanitarian aid and resources.

Complex Realities and the Role of the Hub

The current state of humanitarian aid in Ukraine is marked by complexity. While the response has thus far been adequately funded, sustaining this situation becomes increasingly challenging as the conflict persists. Scarce resources coincide with deteriorating humanitarian indicators, exacerbated by sustained Russian strikes on vital infrastructure. As new rounds of fighting intensify, it is the Ukrainians who possess the greatest capacity to deliver the "last mile" of relief efforts to frontline communities.

Ukrainian NGO Leaders as Catalysts for Change

Ukrainian NGO leaders have identified clear imperatives for change through extensive localization consultations conducted over the past five months, engaging both Ukrainian and international aid groups. This inclusive process culminated in a landmark National Workshop on Localization in Kyiv, where hundreds of Ukrainian NGOs, donor representatives, UN officials, and INGO leaders united in purpose. Together, they pinpointed five specific areas requiring immediate action: expanded priority funding for Ukrainian NGOs, harmonized verification processes, support for capacity expansion, equitable partnerships and ethical hiring practices, and customized coordination mechanisms that resonate with Ukrainian contexts. Moreover, Ukrainians advocated for the establishment of a new, flexible pool fund exclusively dedicated to Ukrainian NGOs and led by their fellow Ukrainians.

Scenarios of Change: Exploring the Potential Impact

Let us now explore how aid localization in Ukraine could unfold under three distinct scenarios: stabilization, escalation, and status quo.

Scenario 1: Stabilization:

In a stabilization scenario, as the conflict subsides, attention turns towards reconstruction and recovery. Local organizations become the linchpin in this context, deeply ingrained in the communities they serve. The Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Leadership Hub could serve as the driving force, facilitating the transfer of power and resources. This pivotal role ensures that aid is efficiently localized, granting Ukrainians a significant voice in determining how and where aid funds are allocated and utilized.

Scenario 2: Escalation:

In an escalation scenario, as the conflict intensifies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, the role of Ukrainians becomes paramount. With their intimate knowledge of the local context, they are uniquely positioned to deliver crucial relief efforts to frontline communities. In this scenario, the Hub emerges as a vital conduit, channeling resources and information to empower local actors for swift and effective response. By leveraging their understanding of the evolving crisis, the Hub equips local actors with the necessary support, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of the escalating conflict.

Scenario 3: Status Quo:

In a status quo scenario, where the conflict remains stagnant, and the humanitarian situation sees little change, the focus of the Hub shifts towards nurturing and sustaining dialogue between Ukrainian and international aid systems. The aim is to diversify and expand the funding sources available directly to Ukrainian organizations while bolstering Ukrainian control over resources supporting the wider relief effort. By fostering collaboration and forging stronger partnerships, the Hub envisions a more inclusive and responsive humanitarian landscape.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Transformation

The establishment of the Ukraine Humanitarian Aid Leadership Hub and the pursuit of aid localization represent transformative strides towards reshaping the dynamics of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. This Hub embodies a collective determination to transfer control and resources into the hands of Ukrainians—a critical imperative amid the ongoing conflict. With its potential to drive substantial progress, the Hub assumes a pivotal role in advancing the aid localization agenda, irrespective of the unfolding scenario. By championing local actors and prioritizing community resilience, we embark on a path toward a brighter future for the people of Ukraine.

References:

National Workshop on Localizing Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine (This event was hosted in Kyiv, Ukraine on February 17, 2023)

Noe, N., Lang, H. (2023) Efforts to Localize Aid in Ukraine One Year On: Stuck in Neutral, Losing Time, Refugees International

Bourse, F., Segur, M. (2022) What Scenarios for the War in Ukraine? The Progression of the Conflict and Geopolitical Trajectories to 2025

Kennedy, E., & Maietta, M. (2022). Strategic Planning in the Humanitarian Sector: A Manual to Foresight and Futures-Focused Thinking. Routledge & CRC Press.