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Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Localisation beyond the Grand Bargain: Structural contradictions in the Global South
Rajeev Kumar Jha is a development professional with over 18 years of extensive experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) across the South Asia region. He currently serves as the Director of DRR and CCA at the esteemed Humanitarian Aid International (HAI). LESS ... MORE On March 10, Tom Fletcher, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, issued a high-profile call for a 'humanitarian-reset' to consolidate efforts, re-evaluate strategies, eliminate redundancies, and enhance accountability across clusters and at the country level. A central part of his message was the need to accelerate the shift toward cash-based programming, aligning with long-standing commitments under the Grand Bargain. Yet, the timing and tone of this appeal raise important questions. Many observers argue that this reset was less a bold reformist initiative and more a reaction to the recent wave of development aid cuts by the US administration and other major donors. While Mr. Fletcher referenced the grand-bargain, his statement notably sidestepped the issue of localisation, failing to outline concrete mechanisms for transferring power, resources, or leadership to local actors. This omission is particularly striking as the current iteration of the Grand Bargain is set to expire in 2026, and localisation remains one of its most contested and unfulfilled goals. As the sector approaches this critical juncture, fundamental questions emerge: Will there be a genuine reset that centres local leadership and accountability, or will it dissolve into another cycle of rhetorical commitments and fragmented reform? The Grand Bargain Annual Meeting, held in Geneva on 16–17 October 2024, reflected these tensions. While members reaffirmed their interest in advancing quality funding, gender-transformative approaches, and strengthening national reference groups to serve as feedback loops between local and global levels, the outcomes were, by most accounts, muted and incremental. Without decisive action and structural reform, the localisation agenda risks becoming another diluted ambition, overshadowed by geopolitical shifts and institutional inertia. The Grand Bargain (GB) was introduced in 2016 at the World Humanitarian Summit to transform the humanitarian system, with localisation as one of its core pillars. A predominant argument for localisation critiques the historical dominance of Northern development agencies and donor governments in shaping humanitarian responses. Another classical question that always generates interest is issues of resource sharing through the local actors, which generally flows from the coffers of Northern Hemisphere countries and their institutions. It has been perceived that most of the Southern Hemisphere-based actors are net receivers of the resources. Grand Bargain was embraced with optimism, viewing it as a potential game-changer. However, the reality has proven more complex. As per the Passing the Buck report 2022, 1.2% of humanitarian funding only going directly to local and national actors till 2022. Based on the evidence, one can argue that it has fallen short of shifting power and resources to local actors in any substantive way. Questions about its legacy and next phase persist. If it ends without achieving substantial progress, the humanitarian system risks retaining the same colonial-era dynamics it sought to redress. Along the way, another question arises: Will countries and institutions in the Southern hemisphere take on new leadership roles, develop innovative funding mechanisms, and demonstrate the political will necessary to advance localisation? Alternatively, will they continue to rely on financial support from Western nations? There is a concern that existing imbalances may simply re-emerge in different forms. One significant challenge is that many Southern countries lack national-level funding systems that can sustain local actors without depending on international aid. This creates a disconnect between the expressed support for localisation and the actual structural policies, which are often centralised, top-down, and counterproductive to the aims of localisation. This inconsistency highlights a fundamental contradiction that must be addressed for effective advancement in localisation efforts. Let us examine a few large Southern countries that hold influence in the global humanitarian order and can change the course of localisation if they act collectively: India India's development space is increasingly shaped by corporate-led social responsibility under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandate of the Companies Act, 2013. While CSR has mobilised significant funds (over INR 25,000 crore in 2021-22), it operates under strict government guidelines, which restrict innovation and prioritise state-aligned objectives. Local community agency is often subsumed under state-corporate frameworks. Direct humanitarian funding mechanisms for local NGOs are virtually non-existent. Further, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendments in 2020 have significantly curtailed foreign funding to local NGOs, reducing their operational independence. China China's development cooperation is entirely state-led. China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), formed in 2018, coordinates China Aid, which focuses on government-to-government projects, infrastructure, and technical assistance. China's engagement in humanitarianism has grown—e.g., through contributions to WFP, WHO, IFRC—but this rarely involves local civil society partners. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) further emphasizes large-scale corporate participation over grassroots empowerment. Domestic restrictions on NGO activity further limit the growth of an independent humanitarian civil society. Mexico Mexico lacks a formal humanitarian funding mechanism accessible to CSOs. The previous disaster response mechanism, FONDEN, was dissolved in 2020. Disaster and emergency responses are now managed through federal systems with minimal CSO engagement. Regulatory constraints also inhibit foreign funding to local NGOs. Despite efforts to integrate DRR into public policy, most CSOs operate in precarious environments. Brazil The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) coordinates South-South development cooperation but mainly offers technical support through state-to-state partnerships. Despite a vibrant NGO landscape, access to both national and international funding is bureaucratically arduous. The government does not maintain a grant-making mechanism for local humanitarian actors. Moreover, recent political shifts have led to reduced civic space for CSOs and public budget cuts for social development initiatives. Nigeria Nigeria heavily depends on foreign humanitarian aid. Currently, between 4 and 5 per cent of the operation is delivered directly through local partners, compared to 1.2 per cent globally. Most funding passes through UN agencies and INGOs. Although the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) was established in 2019, its focus remains on poverty alleviation (e.g., through the National Social Investment Programme) rather than on empowering local humanitarian actors. Despite hosting many humanitarian operations in Northeast Nigeria, local NGOs are often subcontractors rather than equal partners. Indonesia Indonesia has a well-established disaster management framework through the BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), but local NGOs struggle to access core funding or influence national decision-making processes. Civil society contributions are seen as complementary rather than central. International funding flows still dominate in humanitarian response efforts such as tsunamis, floods, or volcanic eruptions. Suggestions to Improve Localisation: Establish international humanitarian funds with Southern leadership-Governments, particularly in the Global South, should lead in establishing transparent, accessible international humanitarian funding pools that include mandatory quotas for local and national NGOs. These could be disbursed through competitive grant mechanisms, matching fund models, or simplified direct financing channels. A strategic starting point would be for a coalition of countries in the Global South—for example, India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Nigeria—to launch a $10 billion Southern Humanitarian Solidarity Fund, focused on regional crises, protracted emergencies, and anticipatory action. Currently, less than 2% of international humanitarian funding directly reaches local actors as per the Global Humanitarian Report, 2023. A South-led pooled fund could set a precedent for reversing this imbalance. Institutionalise local representation in national and international coordination platforms-National governments should mandate the inclusion of local NGOs, women-led groups, and community-based organizations into disaster coordination bodies such as NEMA (Nigeria), BNPB (Indonesia), and NDMA(India). Representation should be formalised in national disaster policies and linked to decision-making rights. International forums (e.g., the Grand Bargain, IASC) must also include local actors through elected representatives. Without institutional support, local actors often remain peripheral: for instance, only 3% of attendees at the 2023 Global Humanitarian Summit represented local organisations. Transition from capacity building to capacity sharing-Rather than treating capacity building as a unidirectional process, a shift toward mutual capacity sharing is needed. This means creating South-South peer learning platforms, where local actors co-develop tools, exchange lessons from disaster response, and contribute their deep contextual knowledge. Initiatives like the Humanitarian Exchange Language (HXL) or peer-review networks across Red Cross/Red Crescent national societies offer replicable models. Studies show that 'peer-to-peer learning between local responders in similar risk environments has higher retention and contextual adaptation than traditional training models' (ODI, 2022). Promote South-South localisation alliances-Regional alliances among Global South countries—such as the African Union, ASEAN, or CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States )—should mainstream localisation within their humanitarian frameworks. These alliances can launch regional localisation funds, create civil society working groups, and host annual South-South Humanitarian Localisation Forums. The Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) provides a powerful precedent in pooling sovereign funds for disaster risk reduction and response. A 2023 FAO-WFP review highlighted that regional cooperation on humanitarian action in the Global South has doubled in the past decade but remains underfunded and donor-dependent. Localise monitoring and accountability mechanisms-Localisation benchmarks (e.g., the 25% direct funding target from the Grand Bargain) should be monitored not just by international bodies like the IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) or OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), but by national civil society coalitions and independent watchdogs. Public scorecards, community-level audits, and data disaggregation by local/national/international status can foster greater accountability and transparency. Conclusion: The call for a 'Humanitarian Reset' invites a thoughtful reckoning with the enduring tensions within the aid system. Efforts to advance localisation cannot rely solely on international platforms, particularly when national frameworks in many parts of the Global South continue to exhibit centralising tendencies and offer limited avenues for civil society engagement. As the Grand Bargain draws to a close, the challenge lies less in formulating new pledges and more in fostering the quiet but essential shifts within donor approaches and domestic governance alike that enable a more balanced distribution of power and resources. Real progress will depend on sustained collaboration between actors across both the Global South and traditional donor landscapes. It is through such partnerships, grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to shared responsibility, that localisation can move from aspiration to practice. Governments, donors, and civil society must work together to cultivate an environment in which the humanitarian system becomes more inclusive, responsive, and accountable to those it seeks to serve. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
News24
23-06-2025
- Climate
- News24
Intense cold front to bring severe weather to Western Cape, Eastern Cape
A cold front is expected to affect the Western Cape and Northern Cape this week. The Eastern Cape is also likely to be affected by the cold and wet temperatures. The cold front is expected to bring snowy conditions in high-lying areas. Another cold front could affect the already weather-battered Eastern Cape, where more than 90 lives were lost earlier in the month due to adverse weather conditions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed that an intense cold front will bring icy conditions to the Western Cape and Northern Cape before moving eastwards. Cold conditions are expected over the south-western parts of South Africa from Wednesday to Friday, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region. The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday and Thursday. There will also be strong and gusty winds over the interior that may cause localised damage to structure and could uproot trees. Rudzani Malala, head of the SAWS' Disaster Risk Reduction department, said that cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape. Weather warnings in place are a Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging waves from Wednesday evening, Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds on Wednesday, and Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall on Wednesday until Thursday morning. City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan said that the City is preparing for the expected intense cold front. 'The Disaster Risk Management Centre has alerted all relevant City departments and external partners to be on standby for potential impacts from the forecast,' she said. 'We ask that the public take heed of the warnings and do as much as possible to safeguard their properties during the forecast period, like waterproofing, clearing gutters and digging trenches to lead water away from their structures.' Gale-force winds and very rough seas, with wave heights between 5.5 metres to 7.5 metres, can be expected along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Malala said: As the system progresses eastwards, it will affect the Eastern Cape, a region already vulnerable to weather-related impacts. The key concern is the strong damaging winds expected across most parts of the province on Thursday. Interior winds are expected to pick up and spread over the remainder of eastern provinces on Thursday and Friday, with daytime temperatures dropping to the cold category. Malala said the briefing 'comes at a time when the country is still struggling to come to terms with the misfortune that befell the people of the Eastern Cape earlier this month, resulting in dozens of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of people'. 'You may recall that days ahead of the disaster in question, we issued a media release followed by several warnings, one of which was subsequently upgraded to an Orange Level 9, with impacts including widespread flooding of roads and settlements, and danger to life due to fast flowing streams or deep water, among other things. Despite our joint efforts, disaster still struck. This says to us more still needs to be done,' he said. READ | Gift of the Givers calls for arrest of 'water mafia' after threats in flood-ravaged Mthatha On Monday, the Eastern Cape provincial government confirmed that 95 bodies have been recovered across various districts. This includes two bodies of teenage males discovered on Sunday afternoon. Out of the recovered bodies, 86 have been identified and collected by their families and processes are under way for the identification of the remaining bodies. 'The integrated search and recovery teams were in the past week boosted by the presence of the South African Defence Force members who continued with the search, working tirelessly to locate and recover any possible remaining bodies. From today, the search and recovery teams will be joined by a team deployed from the North West provincial government, increasing the number of teams to four,' said Eastern Cape Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko.
Zawya
06-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Union Commission Hosts Regional Consultation to Validate The Draft Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction
The African Union Commission (AUC) successfully hosted the Regional Consultation on the Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on June 2, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. Organised on the sideline of the Global Platform2025 (GP2025) for DRR, the event brought together high-level delegations from African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and key development partners in a collaborative effort to refine and strengthen Africa's stance ahead of the Global Platform for DRR high level segment during the week. The African Common Position outlined the key priority areas and commitments of African Member States to contribute to reduced disaster losses and ensure risk informed development based on the unique context of the continent, and guided by the Programme of Action, the Windhoek Declaration, as well as other relevant AU Decisions. The session was chaired by Hon. Natangwe Paulus Lithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, alongside notable speakers including the AU Commission and UNDRR. In his address at the Africa Day special session, Hon. Ithete expressed pride in Namibia's role as Chair of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Bureau during this critical juncture. "It is my honour to welcome you all to this important meeting," he stated, emphasizing the significance of the gathering in shaping Africa's collective response to disaster risk reduction. While recognising the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for their efforts in organizing the event, he highlighted the inclusive, member state led consultation process that guided the development of the draft Africa Common Position, which reflects a shared vision and continental priorities. "I am pleased to confirm that the draft Africa Common Position is fully aligned with the Windhoek Declaration," Hon. Ithete noted. "It ensures that African delegates speak with one voice at GP2025, amplifying our common concerns and ambitions on the global stage." Recalling the challenges facing the continent on increasing disasters, the he encouraged Member States to mobilise local resources to DRR programmes. The draft common position aims to facilitate effective implementation of the Windhoek Declaration and the outcomes of GP2025, advancing commitments under the Sendai Framework and contributing to sustainable development across Africa. Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division at AUC, expressed her gratitude for the robust participation of all stakeholders, emphasizing the collective commitment to building resilience and reducing disaster risk across the continent. "This consultation marks a pivotal moment for Africa as we unite to address the growing threats posed by disasters. Our shared determination to save lives and protect our economies is evident in the mobilization of our Member States and RECs," she stated. Despite significant strides in disaster risk management, Africa continues to face unprecedented vulnerabilities to both natural and human-induced disasters. Dr. El Gaouzi highlighted the importance of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Programme of Action guiding its implementation, which have been instrumental in shaping Africa's response to these challenges. The consultation served as a platform to review the Draft Africa Common Position, which incorporates feedback gathered from a recent survey distributed to Member States. This draft reflects the collective experiences and aspirations of African nations and is rooted in the commitments established in the Windhoek Declaration, adopted at the 9th Africa Regional Platform and the 8th High-Level Meeting on DRR in October 2024. In his remarks Amjad Abbashar, Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa said "While the draft Africa Common Position to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 highlights significant progress, it is crucial to acknowledge that Africa remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Droughts and floods account for over 90% of disasters on the continent, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced resilience and preparedness." Addressing the challenges outlined on the draft Africa Common Position, he highlighted the issue of low public investment and limited private sector engagement in DRR financing, and limited risk knowledge and disaggregated data for risk-informed development and investment. 'We have only 5 years left till the end of the Sendai Framework. Therefore, the ACP priorities and the Windhoek declaration must be implemented with a sense of urgency if the continent is to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Agenda 20263: The Africa We Want, he added. The regional consultation aims at providing an opportunity for African delegates to familiarize themselves with the key findings of the Global Assessment Report 2025 and come up with a unified voice. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India showcases world's largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva
Geneva [Switzerland], June 5 (ANI): Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding USD 28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing, emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. 'India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies,' Mishra noted in the opening statement. 'For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system,' he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. 'Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange,' the post stated. Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. 'Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together,' the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. 'Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!' The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X. (ANI)
Times of Oman
05-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India showcases world's largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva
Geneva: Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding $28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing, emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. "India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies," Mishra noted in the opening statement. "For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system," he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. "Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange," the post stated. Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. "Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together," the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. "Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!" The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X.
