A Humanitarian Localization Baseline for Ukraine: Progress Report 2024 [EN/UK]

Executive Summary

Humanitarian response localization continues to be a central focus for both national and international humanitarian actors in Ukraine. The ongoing war has further highlighted the necessity for local leadership in humanitarian response, in alignment with global commitments like the Grand Bargain and Charter for Change that emphasize the importance of local actors in driving efficient, accountable and effective humanitarian action. However, while there has been notable progress in some areas, initiatives designed to achieve a locally led response face substantial hurdles.

This report describes the findings of the second stage of a localization assessment initiative in Ukraine. It reveals that while some progress is being made in five of seven domains of localization, significant challenges remain in Funding and Policy Influence. The strongest evidence for localization continues to be within the domains of Capacity and Participation. The Funding domain remains critical, considering its linkages with other areas, because many local actors still lack access to direct and equitable funding streams.

The second stage of this initiative confirms the importance of establishing clear baselines to measure progress over time. The findings encourage greater accountability and continuous improvement by providing stakeholders with the tools to assess and track localization development. This report serves as a resource for international and national actors, offering a roadmap to strengthen localization in Ukraine’s humanitarian response and ensure that all actors, especially local ones, can shape aid delivery.

About the initiative

This initiative assesses evidence of localization within the humanitarian response in Ukraine and tracks progress compared to the 2023 Humanitarian Localization Baseline for Ukraine. The second stage research was conducted by NGO Resource Center (NGORC) with the support of InfoSapiens and Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG), and financial support from the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), Helvetas, and principled donors of NGORC (via shared overheads).

The study used a contextualized localization measurement approach and framework, originally developed by HAG and the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations as a universal method for tracking localization progress at country and regional levels. The study included a survey of 279 key non-governmental organization (NGO) and international NGO staff, 19 in-depth interviews with key informants, and document analysis.

The main objective of this ongoing initiative is to annually determine progress in localization of the humanitarian response compared to the 2023 Humanitarian Localization Baseline for Ukraine. The study includes a comparative analysis of localization in Ukraine within seven specific domains, with key indicators that provide an evidence base for stakeholders to assess and track progress. The study's results can serve as a resource for international and national actors, donors and governments to monitor the implementation of localization commitments and identify challenges and appropriate responses. They can also act as a resource and evidence base for accountability and advocacy. Comprehensive interpretations and recommendations are beyond the scope of this initiative.