At the localisation lab workshop, participants imagined what a locally led future could look like. At Ramada, those ideas began taking shape through research, accountability systems, and stronger national coordination.

From ideas to action

Over the two days, representatives from civil society, provincial networks, government, and partners such as PIANGO, HAG, and VANGO worked together to discuss how localisation functions in practice — what is working well, what needs improvement, and how communities can stay in the driver’s seat.

They also reviewed the earthquake response that FALE Vanuatu helped coordinate earlier this year, supported by Global Support for Development (GSD) foundations.

The review examined how funds were used, what approaches worked best, and what lessons could guide future response efforts.

The group agreed to conduct a Localisation Progress Review, updating the 2019 baseline to see how far Vanuatu has come and what still needs to be done to make local leadership the standard approach.

VANGO CEO’s reflection

VANGO CEO Mrs Shirley Abraham said VANGO envisions communities stepping up to become leaders in their own spaces, taking charge and being at the forefront of development and humanitarian responses. Through the FALE facility model, communities will be more involved in humanitarian response and decision-making.

She added that one of VANGO’s key thematic pillars is strengthening the institutional capacity and governance of its members.

This ensures they are well-positioned to apply for small grants, implement projects within their communities, and effectively support government efforts at the local level.

“Localisation is about trust”

For Akmal Ellyas Ali, FALE Pacific Coordinator, the workshop was about more than frameworks; it was about respect and trust in the capacity of Ni-Vanuatu people.

“Localisation is about putting Ni-Vanuatu in the driver’s seat,” said Ali. “It’s about trusting that our people know how to lead. FALE Vanuatu isn’t here to replace systems; it’s here to ensure decisions, coordination, and resources stay close to communities.”

He reminded participants that Prime Minister Jotham Napat has been part of FALE Vanuatu’s story from the beginning, having supported its formation.

That early support, he said, continues to inspire FALE’s mission to strengthen the connection between communities, government, and humanitarian partners.

Building a stronger local system

During the Ramada workshop, participants finalised key next steps for FALE Vanuatu’s work:

Started the Localisation Progress Review and Post-Activation Review of the earthquake response;

Discussed ways to strengthen coordination with VANGO and government disaster management systems.

HAG’s perspective

For the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG), the localisation baseline is more than a measurement tool; it is a foundation for advocacy and change.

“Vanuatu’s localisation research gives Ni-Vanuatu actors the necessary evidence to advocate for systems that reflect their leadership,” said Eranda Wijewickrama, HAG Deputy Director, who co-facilitated the workshop with VANGO. “It also helps international actors rethink their role — not as decision-makers, but as collaborators in a model that centres national leadership and community priorities.”

HAG noted that robust data and shared learning are essential to building a complementary model of collaboration, where international support strengthens rather than replaces local systems.

Vanuatu leading the Pacific

For participants, the workshop was not just a meeting but a reminder that Vanuatu has always been at the forefront of community-led action.

By taking ownership of research, coordination, and response, FALE Vanuatu demonstrates that localisation is not a foreign agenda; it is a deeply Ni-Vanuatu concept — rooted in kastom, driven by unity, and powered by communities that care for one another.

The outcomes from Ramada will help shape the FALE Vanuatu Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and contribute to regional learning through the FALE Pacific Network and the NEAR Global Localisation Labs.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST