Summary Note - Facilitation Group Sherpa meeting - 16 January 2024

The quarterly meeting of the Facilitation Group Sherpas (EU/DG ECHO, Germany, OCHA, UNICEF, IFRC, InterAction, NEAR) took place on 16 January 2024. Ambassador Koehler provided updates on progress in focus area 2, on innovative financing and the nexus. The Grand Bargain Secretariat, on behalf of Ambassadors Mahmood and Bessler, shared updates on localisation and participation. NEAR reported on the National Reference Groups, while Germany briefed on anticipatory action and the caucus launch scheduled for 16 February 2024.

Based on the initiatives and plans presented, the Facilitation Group, in its advisory capacity, formulated recommendations to the Ambassadors to drive tangible progress in the upcoming months. Furthermore, decisions were made regarding the Annual Meeting date and strategies to enhance accountability. This summary note provides an overview of these recommendations and decisions.