The third OPAG session will focus on “stepping up efforts around localization in light of COVID” with the objective to understand how best to leverage new opportunities created in light of the pandemic to speed up localization efforts and how the humanitarian community can adapt its delivery modalities, not only in response to COVID-19, but in all contexts with existing commitments on localization of aid, strengthening partnerships, and operating effectively in an environment impacted by the pandemic.
Four years on, the Grand Bargain remains for a number of actors the reference for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the humanitarian action, having a wider impact in terms of fostering a more cohesive and collaborative approach. WFP continues to play a constructive and strategic role in the implementation of the Grand Bargain, in particular through its co-leadership of the cash-based programming workstream which high performance stood out again in 2019.
Building on existing and bespoke research, the findings from three “demonstrator country” missions, and discussions with Grand Bargain signatories and local actors in a series of regional and global conferences in 2018-19, the Grand Bargain Localisation Workstream issued a series of guidance notes on localisation in May 2020. These very brief notes set out priority findings, recommendations and considerations that signatories are encouraged to consider as they implement their commitments.
Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee issued a joint statement on the situation in Yemen on 28 May 2020, coinciding with the high-level pledging event for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
