Localisation at NRC

At the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), we believe that the communities and organisations closest to a crisis are also the ones who understand it best. Local actors are often the first to respond and have deep knowledge of their communities, needs, and solutions.

That is why we want to support ways of working where local actors are not only implementing projects but also take a leading role in shaping and delivering the response.

Our partners

We partner with:

• local and national authorities
• local private sector
• local and national NGOs
• civil society and community-based organisations
• academic and research institutes

Our goal

Our goal is to work in stronger partnerships with local actors. This means moving beyond short-term, contract-based relationships towards longer-term collaboration based on trust, shared responsibility, and mutual learning.

We combine our resources, experience, and networks with those of local partners to strengthen the protection and uphold the rights of people affected by displacement, while achieving greater and more sustainable impact together.

NRC partners to:

• complement and strengthen local efforts and systems
• build trust, acceptance, and accountability to affected populations 
• enable equitable partnerships through mutual learning and collaboration
• support locally led collective action and maximised impact
• contribute to sustainability and durable solutions

Localisation in action

Localisation is not only about partnerships. It is also about enabling local actors to lead, influence and sustain responses that are rooted in their communities.

In 2025, NRC worked with more than 400 local actors across the countries where we operate. In the same year, we channelled approximately NOK 485 million to local and national actors, contributing to locally-led responses that strengthen protection and durable solutions for displaced people.