Introduction
This position paper articulates CDF's stance on localization in humanitarian action, drawing from 20 years of frontline experience in Pakistan.
Core Position
CDF advocates for genuine localization — not tokenistic inclusion — of national and local NGOs in humanitarian planning, funding, and coordination mechanisms.
Key Recommendations
- Direct funding to local NGOs without excessive intermediary layers
- Inclusion of local organizations in cluster coordination at all levels
- Capacity investment rather than capacity extraction
- Recognition of local knowledge as a humanitarian asset