Local organizations in Pakistan have long faced challenges in leading humanitarian responses, often depending on international aid for disaster interventions. However, a significant shift occurred during the 3rd Annual General Assembly of READY Pakistan in July 2024, as the Hub transitioned from its incubation phase to a model of interdependence. This milestone now allows local actors to play a more prominent role in addressing the country’s increasing climate-related crises, backed by enhanced resources and decision-making capabilities. The assembly was more than just a meeting; it marked a crucial step toward a future defined by resilience and local leadership in humanitarian efforts.
Held on July 25-26, 2024, in Islamabad, the Assembly gathered 98 participants from various national and international organizations to review and strategize READY Pakistan’s evolution. These included representatives from 32 national organizations, 16 international organizations, UN and FCDO agencies, as well as six non-member organizations. The presence of five INGO Country Directors and 26 NGO CEOs further underscored the strong collaboration in advancing local humanitarian efforts. Ms. Asma Saleem, Regional Representative for Asia Pacific at ICVA, highlighted ICVA’s dedication to supporting local organizations: “ICVA represents the Global South, with 77% of our network consisting of local organizations. Our focus is on coordination, advocacy, and humanitarian financing, ensuring local actors have a voice and access to funding.” She also stressed the importance of ICVA’s collaboration with networks like Start Network and OCHA in driving system change and promoting financial inclusivity for local actors.
Mr. Hameed Ullah Kakar, Chair of the National Humanitarian Network (NHN), echoed these sentiments, focusing on the role of grassroots organizations: “NHN has been active in four provinces and is now working towards expanding into GB, Islamabad, and AJK. At this Assembly, we’ve seen strong participation from grassroots organizations across all provinces. Our goal is to extend our presence to district and tehsil levels, fostering localization by integrating grassroots organizations into NHN.” He also emphasized the need for inclusive leadership: “We are committed to enhancing women’s leadership by including women-led organizations and ensuring representation of women and special persons at all levels. Our commitment is to collaborate with Start Network, ICVA, OCHA, Indus Consortium, READY Pakistan, SUNCSA, and the government to advance our collective goals.”
Dr. Gift Chatora, Deputy Head of Office at OCHA Pakistan, highlighted OCHA's global strategy and how it's being adapted to the local context: “The OCHA global strategy for 2023-2026 emphasizes six transformative priorities, including advancing anticipatory action and localization through the Grand Bargain. In Pakistan, we are adapting these global priorities to local contexts, exemplified by the Pakistan Humanitarian Pooled Fund, where more than 80% of total funds were allocated to local and international organizations. We are now transitioning towards Regional Pooled Funds and advocating for Pakistan's specific pooled fund envelope. Collaboration with local NGOs and global initiatives such as READY, PHF, and NHN is essential for advancing our objectives.”
The Assembly served as a platform to spotlight READY Pakistan’s transition from incubation to interdependence, marking a turning point for local leadership in humanitarian action. Discussions focused on the Hub’s future roadmap, organizational strengthening, and updates on the Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) program. The event emphasized the Hub’s dedication to resilience and localization, setting the stage for a more robust, self-sustaining humanitarian landscape in Pakistan.
As READY Pakistan steps into its role as an independent entity, it will play a central role within the Start Network, helping to reshape the global mission of the Network. The shift from dependence to interdependence marks a significant milestone, positioning READY Pakistan as a key player within a redefined network of humanitarian organizations.
One of the key topics at the Assembly was the progress of READY Pakistan’s registration process, set to be finalized by December 2024. This development will facilitate the Hub’s transition to a more collaborative and self-sufficient phase. Participants stressed the importance of local organizations becoming active partners in this evolving landscape, calling for deeper integration of localization practices into organizational systems and policies.
Challenges and opportunities also emerged during the Assembly. The Organizational Strengthening Project, originally set to conclude in August 2024, may be extended following requests from implementing partners. Draft policies on due diligence submitted by learning partners are currently under review. The DRF program’s heatwave trigger funding was increased from £60,000 to £90,000, though Tier 1 organizations continue to face difficulties accessing these funds. In response, Tier 2 and Tier 3 organizations are encouraged to support their Tier 1 counterparts.
Several forward-looking initiatives were introduced, including an updated flood model for the Indus Basin that now covers 132 districts and the development of an online proposal submission system. There are also recommendations to allocate 1% of member organizations’ budgets to localization efforts, improve regulatory processes for fund transfers, and revise funding indicators for timely triggers. Future assemblies may be hosted in different provinces to enhance regional engagement, with calls for translations or subtitles in local languages to ensure wider accessibility.
The Assembly was a pivotal step toward a future where local leadership, resilience, and innovation are at the forefront of humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. Key learnings focused on localization practices, collaboration with global networks, funding and resource allocation, and regulatory improvements. The discussions on localization underscored the importance of integrating local systems and policies into humanitarian responses, while empowering local organizations with the resources and autonomy to lead interventions effectively. The shift toward a more collaborative, interdependent model with the Start Network highlighted the value of forming strategic partnerships to enhance resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and support mechanisms for both local and global stakeholders.
Additionally, the increased funding for DRF triggers and the development of new financial mechanisms emphasized the need for flexible and inclusive funding systems. Efficient distribution of resources, along with ensuring smaller organizations’ access to funds, is essential for sustaining meaningful humanitarian efforts. Improving fund transfer regulations and policies was also recognized as a critical step in enabling local organizations to respond to crises more effectively, ultimately strengthening the broader humanitarian ecosystem.
Looking ahead, READY Pakistan will embark on a crucial membership due diligence process from January to June 2025. This will include global due diligence at the country level for both new memberships and the renewal of existing ones. Negotiations with the Start Network are ongoing, focusing on establishing a READY Pool Fund, refining business and financial plans, and conceptualizing a social entrepreneurship initiative. With its secretariat in London and operations spanning 13 countries, the Start Network is working closely with READY Pakistan to support these ambitious goals.