In 2022-2023, Groupe URD contributed to the development of a new guidance note for DG ECHO to support the evolution of the approach to promoting equitable partnerships with local and national actors. A widescale consultative process (with input from many organisations around the world) fed into the policy document. In 2023-24 we then developed several tools to support the policy’s dissemination, including presentations, case studies and videos, some of which can be found online.

We are now working as part of the Humanitrain consortium (led by Punto Sud) to develop an e-learning module on the guidance note. This will help learners explore the concept of localisation within humanitarian action, its centrality in the Grand Bargain and the positive and negative experiences of local/national actors when working with international partners. The module will allow learners to explore the DG ECHO guidance note promoting equitable partnerships, as well as considering what changes they and their organisations might need to make to encourage a more locally-led approach to humanitarian action.

The e-learning module will be available in summer 2026 on the DG ECHO Partners site.