Through research, evidence and practical tools, this stream supports more localised and equitable humanitarian action.
Through research, evidence and practical tools, it supports more localised and equitable humanitarian action while contributing to sector-wide shifts in power.
The stream has built a strong evidence base through its research and created change by bringing together diverse networks, relationships and conversations.
It has strengthened knowledge and practice to support locally led and equitable ways of working, and continues to grow the evidence base to track localisation progress and impact.
From 2025–28, the stream will focus on translating research into practical action at multiple levels and answering the research questions.
2025-26
There is growing recognition of the vital role community-led response plays beyond the traditional humanitarian system. However, the sector lacks consistent ways to measure its outcomes and impact, leaving the evidence base fragmented.
This research addresses that gap by testing an approach to meaningfully document community-led impact in the Philippines, building on the localisation impact model developed through the previous Humanitarian Horizons program.
This project in being undertaken in partnership with Ecoweb and is supported by the Vitol Foundation.
2026
Local and national research organisations generate critical evidence for humanitarian action but often face restrictive funding, administrative burdens, and limited opportunities to shape research agendas and influence policy.
ALLIES responds to these challenges by providing trust-based funding, streamlined administration, and optional technical support.
A flexible research grant, ALLIES enables local and national research organisations to design and lead independent, policy-relevant humanitarian research.
It supports research that strengthens humanitarian policy and practice in contexts affected by protracted crises, climate shocks and complex emergencies.
ALLIES is convened by HAG through the Humanitarian Horizons research program, with support from the Broad Reach Foundation.
2026
Duty of care for humanitarian workers is a critical issue, particularly as systemic shifts such as localisation reshape humanitarian action.
These changes have highlighted long-standing inequalities, including whose exposure to risk is prioritised and whose wellbeing is protected.
This study examines the challenges and opportunities for duty of care, including disparities between international and local staff, and between international and local organisations.
It draws on the experiences of humanitarian workers in Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine, Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh), Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The research is a collaboration between the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), HAG, and national research partners across Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine, Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh), Pakistan and Afghanistan.
2026
Recent years have seen increased attention on understanding and sharing risk from the perspectives of local and national actors, alongside efforts to co-design more equitable approaches.
While frameworks, models and pilot projects have emerged, risk sharing remains limited in practice.
This research examines current gaps and good practice in humanitarian risk sharing, and identifies practical, evidence-based approaches to better share risk across different risk categories.
The research is a collaboration between the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), HAG and national research partners in Myanmar, Ukraine, Syria and Pakistan.
