Committing to Localization: Centering Youth in Sustainable Development
Over the past decade, the global development aid sector has increasingly recognized the importance of localization and power-shifting. At PRB, we have been engaging with these ideas for several years, integrating them into our work and learning. Through our participation in initiatives like TIME (Transforming INGO Models for Equity), we have been deeply engaged in rethinking the future of technical assistance—both within the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) sector and across broader development spaces.
Beyond theory, PRB has made a continuous effort to align our work with a future where technical assistance strengthens locally, rather than replaces, countries’ expertise. Working at the intersection of demography, economic growth, and inclusive development, we recognize that the future of the workforce—especially youth employability—is inseparable from the future of sustainable development.
As technical partners, we also embrace a social responsibility: contributing to the professional growth of young leaders in our partner countries.
We also recognize that true localization is about more than institutions and systems; it is about individuals. Strengthening local capacity means seeing young professionals not just as project beneficiaries, but as citizens and future leaders shaping the trajectory of their countries.
Through our collaboration with youth SRHR advocates—particularly in the co-leadership of the ICFP Power-Shifting Community of Practice and the preparation of sessions for ICFP2025—we have been reminded of a vital truth: accelerating localization requires more than shifting resources; it demands long-term investment in building the next generation of technical leaders.
Our new blog series reflects our ongoing commitment to these values; explore the articles in the links below. Through storytelling, strategic insights, and reflections, we share how PRB is working to support young, locally rooted expertise as essential drivers of sustainable, equitable development.
Rose Maruru, « De l’engagement à la pratique : Comment la localisation se fait-elle localement ? », EPIC-Africa. Also available in English: “From Commitment to Practice: How is Localisation Doing Locally?”, Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation, Aug. 16, 2023.
Rose Maruru is the founder of the Dakar-based EPIC-Africa, which seeks to enhance philanthropic impact by filling critical data and capacity gaps in the philanthropic market infrastructure in Africa.
Adama Coulibaly, « Décoder les mots-clés du développement : Comprendre la signification de la localisation et de la décolonisation, » EPIC-Africa. Also available in English: “Decoding Development Buzzwords: Understanding the Meaning of Localization and Decolonization.”
Adama Coulibaly is Directeur des programmes mondiaux, Oxfam International ; Global Programs Director, Oxfam International.
Abdoul Karim Saidou, « La participation citoyenne dans les politiques publiques de sécurité en Afrique : analyse comparative des exemples du Burkina Faso et du Niger, » International Development Policy | Revue internationale de politique de développement 11, no. 1 (2019). Also available in English: “Citizen participation in public security policies in Africa: a comparative analysis of the examples of Burkina Faso and Niger.”
World Bank, Engaging Citizens for Better Development Results (Independent Evaluation Group, Washington, DC: World Bank, 2018).
Michel Maietta, “Shifting the Power: A Few Hard Truths on Localisation,” Inter-Agency Research and Analysis Network.
Coopération Canada, Le transfert de pouvoir au sein de la coopération internationale : Etablir des liens (2023). Also available in English: Cooperation Canada Shifting Power in International Cooperation.
Dylan Mathews, “Localization, Decolonizing and #ShiftThePower: Are We Saying the Same Thing?” June 14, 2022.
Localisation and Decolonisation: the difference that makes the difference – Discussion paper – 2022 EN
Peace Direct
Beyond the buzzwords: how can we fix localisation to shift power in humanitarian aid? – Sept 3, 2024 Dr Hamid Foroughi, Dr Paul R Kelly
Andrea Cornwall, Karen Brock – Beyond Buzzwords: “Poverty Reduction”, “Participation” and “Empowerment” – UNRISD Nov 2005
Localization at USAID: the vision and approach – Aug 2022
TIME Initiative: Landscape Analysis – 2023
Dr. Allysha C. Maragh-Bass, Dr. Tamar Chitashvili – Language Matters: Core Concepts in Equity-Based Reform in Global Development
Moses Isooba, head of the Uganda National NGO Forum and a member of Re-Imagining the International NGO (RINGO) – How Use of Language Can Breathe Life into Localization – Jul 2024
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