National Reference Groups

Published Date
This webpage gathers all the information related to the National Reference Groups, including background documents, guidance, and analysis.

Since the first iteration of the Grand Bargain, there have been attempts to better link global-level discussions with realities in humanitarian contexts. As part of the launch of the Grand Bargain 2.0 in 2021, so-called National Reference Groups (NRGs) were introduced to advance the Grand Bargain commitments, especially around localisation, in humanitarian contexts. A Guidance Note and a Step-by-Step Guide to establish NRGs was adopted in 2021.

In 2024, a dozen of NRGs – and NRG-like initiatives – are active in East and Southern Africa, Asia and Pacific, and the Middle East. Many are based on existing collaboration frameworks in country, all are locally-led and in some instances are – or have been – co-led by an international actor (INGO or UN agency). NRGs – and NRG-like initiatives – are at different stages of evolution, with some already operational and holding national events, whilst others have completed consultations and are preparing to be formally launched.

At the Annual Meeting 2024, it was agreed to boost GB National Reference Groups (NRGs); and call to all Signatories to engage with NRGs at country level, and to volunteer co-chairing an NRG in priority countries once those are identified and communicated by the Ambassadors.

The guidance on National Reference Groups was translated into Arabic, French, Indonesian, and Spanish with the support of EU/DG ECHO and NGO NEAR Network.

Arabic:

English:

French:

Indonesian:

Spanish:

Relevant Documents

 

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