Leave No One Behind

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new normal and reshaped the perspective of humanitarian interventions. Local actors are increasingly being recognized as one of the most important implementers that greatly influence the effectiveness of any operation. They play a unique role in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from various crises. Their efficacy is ingrained in their experience at the grassroots level, which provides them with immediate access, relevant interventions, and a comprehensive understanding of the needs and aspirations of local communities. More importantly, they are at the forefront of designing and implementing development interventions that target vulnerable populations.

The longstanding need to recognize the crucial role of local actors in resilience building has come to the front and center in light of the pandemic. It must be viewed as an opportunity to fast-track localization. The new perspective also provides a window to support and empower national and local actors in their development initiatives that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development principles of (a) human rights-based approach; (b) leave no one behind; and (c) gender equality and women’s empowerment. Leaving no one behind means eradicating poverty in all its forms, ending discrimination and exclusion, and reducing the inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind and undermine the potential of individuals and of humanity as a whole. It is imperative that as local actors design and implement development interventions, they should address discrimination and inequalities that are often multiple and intersecting.

The webinar will highlight good practices on resilience building among vulnerable populations and the role of local actors, in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex emergencies. The discussion will feature key representatives from the APP countries, regional networks, and global actors. The main objectives of the webinar are to:

• Discuss the experiences and good practices of local actors from different regions in working with vulnerable populations and adopting COVID-19 sensitive disaster management strategies;
• Identify recurring themes in resilience building towards the fulfillment of the global aspiration to “leave no one behind”; and 
• Foster knowledge-sharing on good practices in disaster risk management (DRM).