As an association, we - just like our members - are deeply committed to advancing localisation, locally led development and decolonisation in humanitarian action and development cooperation. At VENRO, we have established an expert group dedicated to exploring how we, as an association, can reach a common understanding on localisation, locally led development and decolonisation. We are also in close communication with our partner networks from the LOCALliance and the Countdown 2030 project on these topics. At this year’s VENRO-Forum, we will take an in-depth look at the future of locally led approaches in development cooperation and humanitarian action.
Contents
With the event, we aim to initiate discussions across VENRO towards a shared understanding of localisation, locally led development and decolonisation. We will examine how localisation, locally led development and decolonisation are discussed in humanitarian action and development cooperation, and where the similarities and differences lie.
A particular focus will be on the terminology we use. Some terms may no longer feel appropriate or up to date, while others are used frequently despite having different interpretations and definitions, e.g. “localisation”, “locally led development”, “Global South/Global North” or “marginalised groups”. Together, we want to critically reflect on terms we use and explore where we may have different understandings.
The event offers a space for open discussion, reflection, and exchange with the aim of developing a common language and a stronger shared understanding of localisation and decolonisation. The expert group will prepare the content and the terms to be discussed. Following this workshop, the expert group will use the results of the discussion as a basis for further work.
Structure, Date and Location
The workshop consists of two sessions:
Session 1: Monday, 14 September, 1:00 – 3:30 pm CEST (online)
Session 2: Wednesday, 23 September, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm CEST (hybrid (online and in Berlin))
Participants can either register for one or for both sessions.
Target group
The sessions are intended for staff of VENRO member organisations who work on issues related to localisation and/or decolonisation within their organisations and who are interested in further developing the association’s understanding of these topics. VENRO’s partner networks from the LOCALliance and Countdown 2030 project will also take part.
Language
Both sessions will be in English.
Costs
Participation in this workshop is free of charge. The number of participants for the workshop is limited. Your registration is binding.
Registration
Please register online until 7 September 2026:
Registration for session 1 (14 September)
Registration for session 2 (23 September)
Participants who would like to take part in both sessions have to register for both sessions.
If you have any questions on the event, please contact Betül Bahar Tekkılıç (b.tekkilic(at)venro.org) or Karoline Krähling (k.kraehling(at)venro.org).
Please find the programme to the workshop below.