European Humanitarian Forum 2024
The 2024 European Humanitarian Forum, held on March 18-19 in Brussels, was a gathering of global proportions, drawing stakeholders from EU institutions, member states, third countries, various humanitarian organizations, and local actors. This year’s forum, co-hosted by the European Commission and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, focused on addressing the escalating humanitarian needs across the world, aiming to foster innovative and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges.
Among the many esteemed participants was Shaqodoon. This year, the organization not only attended but played a pivotal role in the discussions, particularly in a panel aimed at bridging the gap between international humanitarian frameworks and local realities.
The panel titled "Participation of Local Responders in Designing Humanitarian Response" delved into the critical role of local and national organizations. Discussion points included the empowerment of these groups, the urgent need to increase their funding, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by localizing humanitarian responses. Such dialogues underscored the value of integrating local actors into the planning phases to ensure culturally appropriate and effective interventions.
Importance of Local Involvement
Localization empowers national organizations, enabling them to lead humanitarian response strategies effectively. Involving local actors ensures culturally appropriate interventions, with their unique understanding of the communities they serve. During the panel, participants emphasized that meaningful participation from local actors provides vital insights that shape more responsive and inclusive strategies.
A standout moment was when Mustafa Othman, Shaqodoon’s Executive Director, eloquently emphasized the necessity of substantive participation: “Open communication between local actors and international organizations is crucial to the effectiveness of humanitarian responses. Local actors need substantive seats at decision-making tables, beyond token representation.” This advocacy highlights Shaqodoon's ongoing efforts to ensure that local voices are not only heard but are influential in shaping humanitarian strategies.
Forward-Looking Perspectives
As the forum concluded, there was a strong consensus on the need for the humanitarian sector to evolve. Enhancing funding opportunities, providing governance training, and ensuring significant representation of local actors in governance structures were identified as priorities. These steps are essential for creating a more flexible, directly funded, and risk-sharing framework that truly aligns with local needs.
Shaqodoon's unique position as the only local member of the SomReP Consortium positions it uniquely to push for these changes, advocating for a humanitarian system that is dynamic, responsive, and inclusive. By fostering robust partnerships and building trust between global and local entities, Shaqodoon continues to champion the development of solutions that are not only resilient but also inclusive, paving the way for more sustainable humanitarian efforts globally.
By investing in approaches that meaningfully engage local responders, the sector can achieve more sustainable and effective outcomes, showcasing the significant impact of local involvement.