Islamabad, November 10, 2025: Development and humanitarian experts from across Pakistan came together in a thought-provoking webinar organized by the Pakistan Localization Lab on November 4, 2025, to discuss the future of localization in light of the recently announced global humanitarian reset.
The session, moderated by Ms. Sumera from HANDS Welfare Foundation and Ms. Zartasha Niazi from IDEA (Initiative for Development and Empowerment Axis), explored how this global policy shift could reshape humanitarian and development practices in Pakistan.
Opening the discussion, Ms. Sumera explained that the humanitarian reset—announced in March 2025 by Tom Fletcher, Emergency Relief Coordinator at UNOCHA—represents a strategic transformation in global humanitarian work following major funding cuts. The shift aims to decentralize power, strengthen local ownership, and build more resilient and accountable humanitarian systems.
Ms. Shahida Arif, Regional Representative of the NEAR Network for Asia Pacific, emphasized the need to reform the existing humanitarian architecture, noting that “the current system has not delivered the effectiveness it promises.” She said the reset provides an opportunity to redefine coordination, accountability, and donor engagement. Still, she added that a clear implementation framework is needed, to be discussed at platforms such as the UN General Assembly and among Grand Bargain stakeholders.
“The reset is not only for local actors; it challenges donors to rethink their roles,” Ms. Arif said. “Reducing bureaucracy and empowering community-led accountability will make humanitarian efforts more inclusive and impactful.”
Mr. Azmat Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Rural Development, highlighted the crisis of legitimacy within the humanitarian sector and welcomed the reset’s emphasis on decolonizing approaches and community accountability. He called for a genuine power shift from the Global North to the Global South to ensure more context-sensitive and locally led decision-making. “Communities affected by crises should not just be beneficiaries—they must be central to the accountability process,” he added.
Also speaking at the webinar, Mr. Muhammad Amad, Executive Director of IDEA, noted that localization is not new to Pakistan, pointing to successful models such as READY Pakistan, the Start Network, and the AASHA Fund. “The momentum for local leadership is growing,” he said, “but the real challenge is ensuring that new systems integrate effectively with existing structures to make humanitarian action more collaborative and sustainable.”
Mr. Amad added that the Global South offers immense potential for advancing localization through regional cooperation and shared learning. “Replacing old systems won’t be easy,” he cautioned, “but with unity, collaboration, and a focus on community-led solutions, we can make humanitarian action more responsive and effective.”
The Pakistan Localization Lab has launched this webinar series to promote dialogue on critical themes shaping humanitarian work in the country. Following this session on the Humanitarian Reset, upcoming discussions will focus on anticipatory action, climate change, and humanitarian leadership to strengthen effective and inclusive humanitarianism in Pakistan and beyond.
