RSKM 2023 in Review: Allowing Localization and Transformative Change for Humanitarian-Development-Peace Coherent Programming to Succeed!

The humanitarian system needs to change. We know this. It’s too top-down. It struggles to cope with multifaceted crises and development needs. We’ve committed to localizing aid and working across the humanitarian, development, and peace (HDP) nexus. So how can we do so, together? In May 2023, I attended the Regional Knowledge Sharing Meeting: Greater Horn of Africa (RKSM) focusing on HDP coherence in food crisis contexts in Naivasha, Kenya. As a representative of the Charter for Change Working Group Uganda (C4C) — an initiative working to shift power to local actors in humanitarian response — I saw this as a great opportunity to advance advocacy for practical localization and strengthen my knowledge of HDP coherence.

With over 200 participants from across the region, the conference convened local, national, and international actors at the forefront of HDP programming. For just under a week, I collaborated closely with other practitioners, exploring key issues and opportunities surrounding HDP coherence and transition approaches. Through plenary and breakout sessions, I participated in innovative and educational discussions designed to highlight effective program management. I was particularly compelled by conversations around increasing donor intentionality, accessibility, and equity, and the need for these funders to prioritize localized programming in contexts where HDP coherence is most critical. Digital platforms and tools, such as AHA Slides, made learning interactive and engaging in real time. A WhatsApp-based course thoughtfully engaged me on HDP coherence and introduced the conference’s thematic areas before arriving at the RKSM.

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