At the webinar titled “From Crisis to Coordination: LHF Social Impact Findings and Localization Roadmap,” organized by the The Local Humanitarian Forum (LHF), LHF's social impact analysis and modeling report was presented, and noteworthy findings regarding the strengthening of local networks in the field of humanitarian aid were discussed.
LHF which continues its work under the auspices of the Support To Life Association, held a webinar on July 24, 2025. Moderated by LHF Coordinator Asuman Şahin, the bilingual webinar featured discussions ranging from the Grand Bargain process to the example of the LHF, emphasizing that localization is no longer just a commitment but a necessity for sustainable humanitarian aid.
From Local to Global: New Power Dynamics
Dr. Michael Köhler, who delivered the opening speech at the webinar, stated that there are two main focuses in the third phase of the Grand Bargain: localization and participation, and access to new donors. Stating that localization is not merely about the distribution of funds but also a shift in mindset, Köhler emphasized that “power and authority must be transferred to local actors,” pointing to the need for not only financial but also structural change.
Following Köhler's speech, Umutcan Yüksel from Integrity Consulting presented the findings of the Social Impact Analysis and Modeling Study.
LHF: A Common Name for Impact, Trust, and Courage
Sema Genel Karaosmanoğlu, Director of Support To Life Association stated that LHF is not merely a coordination platform, but also a structure that produces innovative solutions and ensures the effective use of resources. “It was very valuable that LHF provided a safe space. It increased the visibility of local organizations and enabled us to establish effective interaction with international systems,” she said.
What Do Donors Say?
Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) Representative Tracy O'Heir stated that LHF is not just a grant mechanism, but also a global model in terms of transparency, community-based approach, and local leadership. “Structures like LHF are initiatives that challenge existing systems and create transformative impact,” she said, emphasizing that this structure deserves long-term investment.
Faye Lee from the Korea NGO Center for Overseas Cooperation (KCOC) said that LHF represents a paradigm shift, noting that localization is not an “accessory” but a new norm in humanitarian aid. She pointed out that LHF’s flexible structure, which is directly based on local capacity, shares commonalities with similar experiences in Japan.
Localization: Today's Need, Tomorrow's System
At the end of the meeting, participants agreed that localization is no longer an “option” but the “only solution” for effective humanitarian aid. The importance of the Grand Bargain, the LHF model, and similar initiatives in this transformation was underscored.
Strengthening local systems emerged as the key to achieving sustainable solutions even in times of crisis.
You can watch the entire webinar on LHF’s YouTube channel. Click here to watch.
Click here to access the executive summary of LHF’s Social Impact Analysis.
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