Series 'The role of INGOs in a localised humanitarian system'

Still relevant or going extinct?

The perspectives on what could and should be the role(s) for INGOs in a shifted humanitarian system differ across organisations and perspectives. In this series KUNO will bring together Dutch and local practitioners, policymakers and academics to reflect on the difficult question: is there still space for INGOs in a future humanitarian system? Through interactive working sessions these questions will be explored beyond verbal exchanges.  

Humanitarian budgets are declining globally, whilst the needs are increasing. The funding shocks that ran through 2024 and 2025 have added pressure to this imbalance, which was already present. Some refer to this as a humanitarian disaster, others highlight the opportunities this bring for an overhaul of the humanitarian system that is long overdue. They posit that this could finally lead for a long-desired localisation to finally manifest. Not just in shares of budget or handover of some projects, but in actual transformation in which power and responsibilities are also handed over. A key question amidst these shifts is what the role for INGOs would be in such a transformed system. Will they become relics of the past, or remain in their position but in smaller or more serving ways, offering technical support? Or is there renewed need for their presence, as they can relate to constituencies in donor countries? From that position, they could potentially shift narratives towards more favourable stances on humanitarian action. That is at least what comes up across strategies of INGOs. 

This series ‘The role of INGOs in a localised humanitarian system’ will explore these questions, as well as the perspectives of diverse humanitarian actors, through presentations, conversations, and interactive activities. It aims to foster frank exchanges and confront difficult dilemmas in order to advance the localisation agenda and examine its implications.

The sessions in this series will focus on:

• Session 1 – Scenarios for humanitarian systems
• Session 2 – Models of partnership, funding and operations 
• Session 3 – INGOs and their constituencies in donor-countries
• Session 4 – Futuring: what roles for INGOs are conceivable in a more localised system?  

– Pictures: Cordaid, MSF, UNICEF –