Localisation Labs

Since launching in 2023, NEAR’s Localisation Labs have been providing a framework, structure and space for our members to cultivate and experiment how to operationalise localisation.  

The Labs empower local leaders and organisations to drive the localisation agenda in their own communities. They can do this by building connections with various stakeholders to advance shared goals and resources. 

Read our most up to date publications on localisation labs

PRESS RELEASE: Asia-Pacific Leaders Launch Kathmandu Covenant, declaring a New Era for Locally Led Humanitarian Aid - 19 August 2025

The Kathmandu Covenant: A Commitment to Resilience, Inclusion, Solidarity & Empowerment, adopted at the Nepal Humanitarian Conference (NHC) and the Asia Pacific Local Leaders Summit of the NEAR network in Kathmandu,- Nepal - 19 August 2025

NEAR LEARNING BRIEF (Q1 2025): “Lessons Learned from Year One” - 09 June 2025

NEAR BLOG: Inside NEAR’s Localisation Labs: Where Power Shifts and Change Begins - 12 June 2025

Four Pillars of the Localisation Labs

The Localisation Labs focuses around four pillars that are sequential and mutually reinforcing:  

1- Build & amplify a collective voice of diverse, local and national organisations 

2- Building Bridges: Positioning local actors as primary decision-makers 

3- Co-create, uplift, and amplify local solutions 

4- Generate & Promote Learning to drive Change 

NEAR’s Active Localisation Labs 

Currently NEAR has two sub regional labs and fifteen national labs with a potential to expansion to many other countries across all regions:   

Asia-Pacific Region:  

• Asia-Pacific Local Leaders (Sub-regional lab)  

• Afghanistan (National lab)  

• Pakistan Lab (National lab)  

• Philippines Lab (National lab)  

• Indonesia (National lab)  

• Nepal (National lab)

Middle East and North Africa Region:  

• Syria Lab (National lab)  

• Palestine Lab (National lab)  

• Lebanon Lab (National lab)  

• Yemen Lab (National lab) 

Latin America and The Caribbean Region:  

• Central America (Sub-regional lab)  

• Colombia (National lab)  

• Venezuela (National lab)  

• Guatemala (National lab) 

• El Salvador (National lab) 

Africa Region:  

• South Sudan (National lab)  

• Ethiopia (National lab)