Localisation, local leadership and locally-led peacebuilding

Local leadership is essential for effective development and peacebuilding – and the need to strengthen locally-led approaches has never been more urgent. This position paper outlines International Alert’s understanding of localisation and how we put it into practice, drawing on our long-standing partnerships, our 2024-2030 strategy, and our research on localisation in peacebuilding.

Localisation is about centring the agency and power of people directly affected by the issues in question. In fragile and conflict-affected settings, it requires careful attention to legitimacy, accountability and the diverse roles that different actors can play.

Learn more about how Alert works with communities and partners to support locally-led peacebuilding, and how we are reshaping our own systems and structures to better reflect these principles.