Co-Authored by Enrique Garcia, Shahida Arif and Wejdan Jarrah, NEAR’s Regional Representatives, with NEAR’s Lab Convenors and Members from across the regions
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Photo Caption: [from left to right]
Shahida, Wejdan and Enrique,
NEAR’s Regional Representatives
This blog marks the first in a series diving into NEAR’s Localisation Labs. As Regional Representatives of the NEAR Network, we want you—our global community—to hear directly from our members who are shaping these Labs across our four regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia and the Pacific.
What Are Localisation Labs?
At their core, Localisation Labs offer structure and space to test, adapt, and operationalise localisation in ways that reflect each region’s unique realities. They are platforms for reclaiming localisation’s true purpose: shifting power to those most affected by crises and rebuilding systems from the ground up—led by local knowledge and priorities.
These Labs aren’t just projects. Each lab is uniquely designed; they are living laboratories of local leadership, experimentation, innovation, engagement, and systemic change.
“To me, the Labs represent vibrant civil society spaces,” shares Enrique Garcia, NEAR’s Latin American and the Caribbean Regional Representative. “These bring together local and national NGOs, helping them amplify their humanitarian and development work, not only within communities but to governments and international actors. They are the frontline voice for the most vulnerable.”
“To me, the localisation lab is a transformational concept that embodies the essence of a bottom-up approach,” shares Wejdan Jarrah, NEAR’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Representative. “Unlike other initiatives, it introduces a contextualised systems perspective, aligning local and national movements to amplify the collective voice in localisation. The establishment of localisation labs resonates deeply with me because it bridges local and regional perspectives with global frameworks, offering a clear vision and actionable goals that enable tracking commitments and measuring impact. It creates a unified space where grassroots NGOs collaborate with national NGOs under one umbrella, positioning themselves within the system to learn, grow, challenge, and be challenged as a collective - harnessing the power of unity for meaningful change.”
“The uniqueness of these Labs lies in their openness to experimentation. Every time we gather,” explains Shahida Arif, NEAR’s Asia-Pacific Regional Representative, “we create a space where we can learn from failure, amplify our voices, and co-create innovative solutions.”
Whether through national or regional setups, each Lab focuses around four pillars that are complementary and mutually reinforcing:
Building and Amplifying a Collective Voice;
Positioning Local Actors as Primary Decision-Makers;
Co-creating and Uplifting Local Solutions;
Generating and Promoting Learning to Drive Change.
About the Labs from Across our Membership
Since launching the first Labs in 2023, NEAR’s Localisation Labs have grown into dynamic, member-driven spaces operating in 14 countries, with 1 regional lab in Latin America and 1 regional lab in Asia, offering not just a platform but a living laboratory for local actors to experiment, collaborate, and lead their humanitarian and development agendas. Below are quotes captured from Lab Convenors and Members from across these spaces.
Map of Active NEAR Localisation Labs
Latin America and the Caribbean: Local Knowledge, Collective Power
Across Latin America and the Caribbean, Localisation Labs are not just platforms—they are deeply rooted movements driven by community experience, autonomy, and a vision for long-term change. From Central America, to Colombia and Venezuela, Lab leaders are advancing models of humanitarian and development action that are grounded in local realities and built to last. Their work demonstrates that when local actors lead, systems become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
CAPTION: Colombia Localisation Lab.
“Localisation enhances the leadership and autonomy of local organisations, enabling them to take the lead in both humanitarian and development decision-making,” says Maritza Copete, Lab Convenor, Colombia Localisation Lab.
“These Labs are rooted in the experience of communities. They are how we find sustainable, community-led solutions that ensure direct access to resources and decision-making power,” says Cleotilde Guevara, Lab Convenor, Central America Regional Localisation Lab.
“We view localisation as essential for creating an integrated and systemic approach that enables both local and international humanitarian actors to develop a shared vision aimed at improving living conditions holistically. This process enhances their capacities through learning in design, planning, execution, and accountability. Localisation promotes local development and empowers residents and citizens within a specific area—whether rural, urban, in a parish, or a neighbourhood—who possess their own identity, history, resources, and capabilities. With cooperative efforts, these communities can strengthen their development initiatives, creating projects that help overcome crises and reduce conflict levels. Importantly, this process will continue even after international assistance ends, as the communities will be equipped to generate their own development initiatives and foster democratic coexistence,” says Marlene Jairala Q., Lab Convenor, Venezuela Localisation Lab.
CAPTION: Venezuela Localisation Lab.
Africa: Driving Change from the Ground Up
Localisation Labs in Africa are proving that lasting change starts with local leadership. From Ethiopia to South Sudan, these Labs are building momentum through advocacy, action, and powerful partnerships. Whether shaping national policy or leading responses in crisis zones, African Lab leaders are redefining what it means to deliver truly community-centred humanitarian solutions.
CAPTION: Ethiopia Localisation Lab launch.
“Ethiopia Localisation Lab’s multifaceted approach, combining capacity-building, strategic advocacy, and global partnerships, positions it as a leader in Ethiopia’s localisation movement. As ELL members continue to push for systemic change, their efforts underscore the power of local actors in driving sustainable, community-centred solutions,” says Lulseged Mekonnen, Lab Convenor, Ethiopia Localisation Lab.
”The South Sudan Localisation Lab is not just advocating for change; it is implementing solutions in refugee and IDP settings and generating evidence to drive a truly locally led response. Through NEAR's support the SSLL has grown into powerful platform, uniting local and national organisations to champion the Localisation agenda and engage directly with donors and partners” says Luate Joseph Jon, Lab Convenor, South Sudan Localisation Lab.
CAPTION: South Sudan Localisation Lab launch.
Middle East and North Africa: Disrupting Traditional Humanitarian Frameworks
In a region long shaped by protracted conflict, political instability, and externally driven agendas, a bold vision is emerging from within: localisation not as a catchphrase, but as a transformative practice. The Localisation Labs in Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen are movements, placing local leadership, community ownership, and contextual intelligence at the heart of rebuilding, resilience, and renewal. These Labs are disrupting traditional humanitarian frameworks by fostering inclusive spaces where local actors—once treated as implementers—become the architects of their own futures.
CAPTION: MENA Summit 2025.
“The Syria Localisation Lab reimagines localisation, moving beyond its traditional humanitarian scope. Historically associated with emergency response, localisation in Syria’s post-conflict phase now centres on empowering Syrians to take the lead in shaping their country’s future, with external actors playing a supportive rather than directive role. This evolved approach broadens the concept to encompass the wider civil society, prioritising underserved and peripheral areas over centralised hubs, and fostering collaboration with local governance structures. The Lab’s mission is not to perpetuate aid-dependent systems or encourage artificial NGOisation, but to establish sustainable, locally rooted frameworks that reduce dependency and drive long-term development. Our goal is to create enduring solutions and locally-led financing mechanisms, enabling Syrians to rebuild their nation with self-reliance and resilience at the forefront,” says Kinan Diab, Lab Coordinator, Syria Localisation Lab.
“The Palestine Localisation Lab possesses a unique and distinguished character, setting it apart from other labs. It stands as a crucial and unparalleled gateway to the future, particularly in confronting the significant challenges that extend beyond Palestine to encompass developing nations and conflict-affected regions globally. The lab champions the ideals of freedom and decision-making autonomy, underscoring the value of self-reliance and individual confidence. It adopts a visionary approach, striving to empower individuals and communities to tackle and surmount the intricate challenges of their surroundings. Ultimately, the Localisation Lab transcends being merely a physical entity; it is a profound emblem of resilience, innovation, and optimism for a brighter future amidst adversity,” says Mahmoud Hamada, Palestine Lab Coordinator.
CAPTION: Palestine Localisation Lab Launch at MENA Summit 2025.
“The Lebanon Localisation Lab is a vital initiative aimed at enhancing the local character of humanitarian and development work. It provides a space where local NGOs can collaborate, innovate, and take risks to address challenges and propose solutions tailored to Lebanon’s unique context,” says Nadine Saba, LHDF Steering Committee Member, Lab Convenor, Lebanon Localisation Lab. “What does this lab do? It’s a tester. We think. We discuss. We apply. We review and learn. In certain places, we can run into obstacles. It can be localised. We make mistakes with sweet stories in this lab, and the lab allows for these mistakes. The good thing about this lab is that it opens up a lot of opportunities for us to make mistakes. Making a mistake in our field is not advisable. In this lab, there is no fear of making a mistake because we are just working and we are likely to make a mistake. What distinguishes this lab is that we are not afraid to make mistakes. We stop being afraid of making mistakes, and we stop being confined to a certain approach and a certain way of doing things.”
“The Yemen Localisation Lab represents a transformative opportunity for Yemeni NGOs, aiming to revolutionise humanitarian and societal work. It shifts the focus from individual efforts to collective action, fostering a culture of collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation. This approach is particularly significant in the context of Yemen, where political and economic challenges have created barriers to effective humanitarian work. The Localisation Lab emphasises the importance of managing human and material resources collectively. It allows organisations to benefit from the expertise of others, overcome shared challenges, and exchange knowledge effectively. By encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, it provides a platform for local civil society organisations to innovate and adapt to the region's unique needs. It promotes the development of new strategies and tools tailored to the realities of Yemen. The Lab facilities collaboration among local networks and organisations. It aims to establish clear strategies and frameworks that align with the region's needs, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are both effective and sustainable. Localisation is rooted in the belief that humanitarian work is most impactful when driven by local networks. It advocates for equality, justice, transparency, and equitable opportunity management, ensuring that local organisations play a central role in addressing community needs. It also provides a structured environment to discuss difficulties and explore opportunities. It enables Yemeni NGOs to plan strategically, innovate, and develop models that can serve as examples for other countries facing similar challenges. It is envisioned as an optimal model for humanitarian work during this critical period. It seeks to unify efforts, establish appropriate tools, and create a clear vision for the future of humanitarian and societal action in Yemen,” says Asia Al-Mashraqi, Lab Convenor, Yemen Localisation Lab.
Asia and the Pacific: Local Leadership, Shared Strength
In Asia and the Pacific, Localisation Labs are more than initiatives—they are vibrant spaces of collaboration, where local leaders come together not to compete, but to complement and uplift one another. From Pakistan to Indonesia, the Philippines to Afghanistan, these Labs are reclaiming voice, power, and agency—proving that real change begins when communities lead their own solutions.
“Asia Pacific Local Leaders and the Lab is the living heartbeat of localisation. It is where real leaders from the ground come together, not to compete, but to complement each other. Asia Pacific Localisation Lab (APLL) is not just gathering but collective rise of wisdom, dignity, and courage rooted in community. In a world too often driven by top-down solutions, we are proving that lasting change beings when local leadership is trusted, resourced and respected,” say Akmal Ellyas Ali, PIANGO Pacific.
“NEAR’s Asia Pacific Localisation Lab is a transformative space where local actors lead, innovate, and reshape the aid system based on lived realities- proving that locally led action is not just possible, but essential,” says Maria Cagay, Solutions workstream member for APLL.
“More than a platform, the NEAR localisation lab represents a strategic shift, where community voices meet global platforms to shape a future in which aid is informed by the local knowledge, led by the local actors, and accountable to the communities its serves,” Sumera Javed, Learning Workstream Lead APLL.
“NEAR’s Pakistan Localisation Lab is a transformative platform that brings local civil society actors to the forefront of humanitarian and development decision making. It fosters a space where local knowledge, leadership, innovation are valued and amplified by,” says Dr. Dahot Khadim Hussain, member of Pakistan Localisation Lab. “The Lab serves as a decentralised network that bridges technology and humanity. By localising tools and content, it empowers underserved communities to access, understand, in the humanitarian and development sectors, this approach fosters inclusion, resilience, and equity in the difficult situation,” says Fahim Khan, VDO, member of Pakistan Localisation Lab.
CAPTION: Pakistan Localisation Lab National Workshop.
“Philippines Localisation Lab is a collective process of building the power of grassroots communities. It is an act of claiming its legitimate share of pooled resources. It is a decision to chart its course for genuine development,” says Linda D. Gobrin, co-convenor Philippines Localisation Lab.
“The Indonesia Localisation Lab is a safe space to fail forward with local solutions, to build our local identity, voice and power in the new normal of humanitarian. And why is it important to us? Because it empowers us to take control of our own solutions and voice, breaking free from much too long being sidelined in conversations and negotiations that too often exclude us,” says Dr Puji Pujiono, Advisor Pujiono Centre, Indonesia Localisation Lab.
CAPTION: Afghanistan Localisation Lab
“The Afghanistan Localisation Lab is helping local Afghan voices lead the way, making sure real change starts from within our own communities. It is a catalyst for locally led change in Afghanistan,” says Sameera Noori, Lab Convenor, Afghanistan Localisation Lab.
Why the Labs Matter Now
For too long, localisation has been defined by others. NEAR’s Localisation Labs flip the script. They are led by the people who live the realities, who hold the solutions, and who know their contexts best.
“It is within these Labs that the groundwork for true localisation is laid,” says Hibak Kalfan, NEAR’s Executive Director. “Here, our members innovate, collaborate, and lead the charge in transforming the global aid system.”
These Labs aren’t just incubators of ideas. They’re building ecosystems of trust, leadership, and resilience—and a global humanitarian architecture that finally listens to, and is led by, local voices.