ACBAR

At ACBAR, we believe that localisation is far more than a policy; it is a profound commitment to effectiveness, and the long-term sustainability of the Afghan humanitarian response. This week, the Localisation Technical Working Group (LTWG) convened its 2025 Annual Forum, providing an opportunity to reflect on the tangible progress made in establishing a new centre of gravity for equitable partnership and shared leadership.
Throughout 2025, we successfully overhauled our coordination mechanisms to ensure national NGOs hold a permanent, influential seat at the decision-making table. This governance shift was bolstered by the finalisation of two landmark documents the Localisation Factsheet and Making Partnerships Work in Afghanistan which set a definitive new standard for institutional cooperation. Furthermore, our nationwide baseline survey, engaging over 280 organisations (including NNGOs, INGOs, donors, and UN agencies), now provides the robust evidence base required to drive our strategic advocacy into 2026.
As we look ahead, the consensus among our members remains clear: the future of aid in Afghanistan depends on flexible, multi-year funding and a relentless focus on community-led engagement. The LTWG continues to serve as the central hub for collective learning and strategic advocacy, ensuring that local expertise remains the primary blueprint for all international support.