From Joseph Silali, Nairobi
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) hosted a high-level press briefing on the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview, emphasizing the need for increased investment in localization to transform humanitarian responses.
The event, themed “Investing in Localization for the Transformation of Humanitarian Response,” featured key speakers, including Ms. Edum Wosomu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Ms. Rita Amukhoba, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Division and Social Development at the African Union Commission.
Speaking during the event, Ms. Wosomu stressed the critical role of local communities in humanitarian crises. She highlighted regions such as Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where local actors have been at the forefront of providing aid and safety to victims of conflict.
“These local responders are often the first to step in when crises emerge, offering support to displaced persons and ensuring survivors find refuge amid ongoing violence,” she said.
Ms. Wosomu also cited Sudan as a poignant example, where despite a war-ravaged economy and infrastructure, local actors have continued to feed and care for vulnerable populations.
She called for targeted investments to enhance the capacity of these frontline responders, noting that their proximity and understanding of the local context make them indispensable in sustainable humanitarian efforts.
Challenges of Access and Political Solutions
Ms. Amukhoba underscored the importance of ensuring physical and negotiated access to affected communities.
She noted that without sustainable peace and political solutions, it is nearly impossible for humanitarian organizations to operate effectively in conflict zones.
“Access to local NGOs is crucial for the distribution of aid,” she said, pointing to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where 80% of the country’s health system has collapsed.
She further emphasized that peacebuilding must remain central to resolving humanitarian challenges, as seen in the difficulties faced by aid agencies in delivering life-saving assistance in politically volatile regions.
Funding and Multi-Agency Coordination
The press briefing highlighted the need for a multi-agency approach to humanitarian response, with experts calling for increased funding and commitment to inclusive strategies.
The humanitarian community is seeking $47 billion to address escalating needs in crisis-affected areas globally.
The 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview advocates for investment in localized solutions, capacity building, and negotiated access to ensure sustainable and effective responses to global crises.
As Africa faces growing challenges from climate change, political instability, and armed conflicts, experts argue that empowering local communities and promoting peace remain pivotal in transforming the continent’s humanitarian landscape.
Joseph Silali is a Sub Saharan Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi.
