There is a growing recognition of the need to reshape the way in which international development and philanthropy work together – to move away from a largely top-down model that aims to assist “beneficiary” countries in need of a western- derived construct of “development”, towards a more balanced and equitable approach that fosters agency, ownership and growth, led by citizens, local organizations, and governments - a concept referred to in this brief as localization.3
Drawing from publicly available literature and media, this brief synthesizes the most salient concepts, considerations – and contradictions – within the localization space of international development. These principles and practices are increasingly becoming the bedrock for strategic implementation and advocacy.
