Our team was honored to be involved in organizing an event that influences localization coverage in Ukraine!
The event’s purpose was to dialogue between Ukrainian and international representatives. They discussed localization, partnerships, and improvements in resource mobilization.
We want to share the main points of the meeting:
Panel discussion: “Partnership, leadership, and policy influence.”
- “I want to say that localization has been a part of our existence from the very first day. It means knowing people’s needs and responding to threats and social problems with our activities. For us, localization is absolutely natural.”
Larysa Polska is the chairman of the board of the Kherson Community Foundation “Zakhyst.”
- “Localization is about expanding opportunities to provide resources for local organizations. And we put them first. To strengthen local organizations so that they can become sustainable in the future.”
Jeffrey Lehrer, Acting Deputy Mission Director, USAID
Panel discussion: “Coordination, participation and complementarity”
- “For Ukraine, we need to find entry points for new actors and old ones that have changed their role. One of these points is the involvement of national actors.They will help to influence strategic decision-making and prioritization.”
Sarah Gilding der Vedouwen, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Ukraine
Panel discussion: “Funding and Capacity”
- “For local organizations, I would advise saying that you are not satisfied with specific clauses of the contract or with this project’s preparation. Don’t be afraid to defend your boundaries.I would ask international organizations to open their reports, especially localization reports, and show how the funds go to local organizations.
Darya Rybalchenko is the director of the National Network for the Development of Local Philanthropy.
