In late April 2026, the Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe team organised an event as part of the Help Localisation Programme (HLF), which brought together representatives of international and local organisations, donors and experts to discuss the practical and strategic aspects of developing the localisation of humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The team from the humanitarian organisation Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe organised an event as part of the Help Localisation Programme (HLF), which brought together representatives of international and local organisations, donors and experts to discuss the practical aspects of localising humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The Help Localisation Programme (HLF) is a global initiative funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and coordinated by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe. It is implemented in collaboration with local and international civil society organisations and networks, with a focus on their active participation in decision-making processes.
During the first panel discussion, representatives from partner organisations — Smart Osvita, Yellow Blue Wings and New Dawn — shared their practical experience of implementing localisation approaches. Participants discussed how the role of local organisations in humanitarian response is changing and what challenges and opportunities arise in this process.
The second panel was dedicated to the strategic vision for the development of localisation and the role of international partners in this process. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, the programme’s governing bodies and the expert community joined the discussion. In particular, participants discussed approaches to funding, the principles of equal partnership and the importance of strengthening the role of local organisations.
Particular attention was paid to the role of the HLF Steering Committee, which provides strategic management of the programme and supports its development as a humanitarian fund focused on local leadership, high-quality funding and equitable partnerships.
The results of the HLF programme were also presented during the event. To date, 14 projects have been supported, including two consortia, covering 15 regions of Ukraine and aimed at helping over 63,500 people. The total funding amounts to €8.1 million, of which 7.7% is allocated to strengthening the organisational capacity of partners. Another key indicator of effectiveness is that 85.5% of local and national organisations rate the HLF selection process as fair, transparent and accessible.
The event served as an important platform for dialogue between partners and reaffirmed a shared commitment to developing a more effective, inclusive and locally-oriented humanitarian system in Ukraine.