The Somali Child Rights Coalition (SCRC), in partnership with key stakeholders, successfully hosted a one-day dialogue meeting aimed at addressing the persistent power imbalance between international and local actors in the humanitarian and development sectors.
The meeting brought together representatives from local civil society organizations, international NGOs, donor agencies, to engage in open, solution-oriented discussions about equitable partnerships. Central to the dialogue was the call for greater inclusion of local actors in decision-making processes and ensuring fair and equal access to funding.
Key issues raised during the event included the need for:
• Transparent and inclusive funding mechanisms that prioritize local knowledge and capacity.
• Meaningful participation of local actors in coordination platforms and strategic planning.
• Recognition of the unique challenges faced by local organizations, including administrative burdens and limited access to core funding.
International partners acknowledged the structural challenges and expressed commitment to adopting more inclusive practices. Many agreed that sustainable change can only be achieved through genuine partnerships grounded in trust, mutual accountability, and shared power.
The event concluded with a set of joint recommendations, which will be used to inform ongoing advocacy efforts and future programming strategies both locally and globally.
This dialogue is part of the “Som-Localization Practices in Mogadishu” initiative, a broader effort led by SCRC to strengthen the role of local actors in humanitarian and development ecosystems.