{"id":4419,"date":"2026-06-03T13:11:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T10:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allianceuacso.com\/?p=4419"},"modified":"2026-06-03T14:04:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T11:04:13","slug":"localization-ambassador-recognizing-those-who-strengthen-local-leadership-in-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allianceuacso.com\/uk\/localization-ambassador-recognizing-those-who-strengthen-local-leadership-in-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cLocalization Ambassador\u201d: Recognizing Those Who Strengthen Local Leadership in Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations<\/div>\n

\u201cLocalization Ambassador\u201d \u2014\nan award by the Alliance of UA CSOs for a fundamental contribution to the development of local leadership in Ukraine!<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\nDuring the IV Annual International Conference “Ukrainian Aid Leadership”, the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations (Alliance of UA CSOs) presented the \u201cLocalization Ambassador\u201d awards.\n\nWhat makes this year special? Although the award itself was established last year, this year we launched an official open nomination process for the first time. The winners were chosen directly by the votes of Ukrainian and international partners, making this award a result of true recognition within the sector.\n
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The award ceremony was hosted by Nataliia Tulinova, Member of the Steering Committee of the Alliance and CEO of the “Zdorovi” agency: \u201cWonderful organization, substance, content, and meaning. Thank you for my favorite role \u2014 announcing the winners! Presenting awards to the best is a true honor! Nothing can inspire one to work in this sector more than the realization of the caliber of people you work with!\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

The laureates of the 2026 \u201cLocalization Ambassador\u201d award are:<\/h2>\n
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Iryna Vereshchuk<\/p>\n

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Felix Baumann<\/p>\n

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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People in Need<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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International Organization for Migration (IOM)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine and Sida<\/p>\n

Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Right to Protection<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Manuel Bessler<\/p>\n

The Grand Bargain Ambassador<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Key Messages from the Award Laureates:<\/h2>\n
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Iryna Vereshchuk<\/p>\n

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine<\/p>\n

emphasized that today, localization is not just a matter of efficiency, but a matter of national resilience:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are living in a prolonged war of attrition, which means we need strong local expertise. Our experience has shown that humanitarian response is an integral component of the national resilience and security system. That is why I urge international partners to transfer more responsibility and more leadership to Ukrainian organizations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Felix Baumann<\/p>\n

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova<\/p>\n

\u201cOur interventions are not limited exclusively to humanitarian aid and programs. They also include support for local municipalities, social workers, medical teams, and volunteers \u2014 everyone who supports communities and continues to work under immense pressure. After all, recovery is not just about rebuilding infrastructure; it is also about protecting and promoting human dignity. It is about protection and hope. And the greatest lesson that the Ukrainian community can give to the world is that even in the darkest moments, we can survive thanks to human solidarity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Jessica Preston Amy<\/p>\n

IOM Representative<\/p>\n

thanked Ukrainian partners and the international community for supporting localization:<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank the donor community and urge you to continue advocating for localization at your headquarters. Thank you also to all partners and colleagues involved for your dedication.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Anna Duda<\/p>\n

People in Need<\/p>\n

emphasized that localization is not about cost-cutting, but about the right approach:<\/p>\n

\u201cLeadership at the local level will continue and be supported not because of the price tag, but because it is simply the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Joanna Garbalinska<\/p>\n

speaking on behalf of Sweden<\/p>\n

reaffirmed support for equal partnerships and direct funding for local organizations:<\/p>\n

\u201cLocalization and local action are the priorities of our operations. We will continue to foster equal partnerships and increase direct funding to local actors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Dariya Mosiienko<\/p>\n

Director of the Humanitarian NGO Platform in Ukraine<\/p>\n

dedicated the award to the entire platform community:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a recognition of the work of the previous team and the contribution of more than 130 members of our platform. This award belongs to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Dariya Chekalova<\/p>\n

Coordinator of the “PULSE” Consortium (Right to Protection)<\/p>\n

stressed that localization is the path to sustainable assistance:<\/p>\n

\u201cLocalization is the single method, principle, and tool that will help us provide truly sustainable and effective aid to the people who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n

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Manuel Bessler<\/p>\n

The Grand Bargain Ambassador<\/p>\n

addressed Ukrainian organizations with words of gratitude and recognition:<\/p>\n

\u201cNever forget that you are the voices of those in need. You possess the contextual knowledge, the public trust, and the commitment. Without you, nothing would work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The words of Mila Leonova, Director of the Alliance of UA CSOs, who concluded the ceremony with a shared wish for peace, were particularly moving:<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us all together wish for peace in Ukraine, so that we can truly bring this war to an end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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This award is about trust, partnership, and the people who prove every day that localization is not a trend, but a necessary condition for a strong, resilient, and humane humanitarian force.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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The conference was organized by the Alliance of UA CSOs with the support of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the British Red Cross, FCDO, Refugees International (RI), the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), and NORCAP.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Localization Ambassador<\/div>\n

\u201cLocalization Ambassador\u201d Award\n\u2014 photo gallery<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\n\"Localization\n<\/a>\n
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