Localization in Practice: Somaha Foundation at the SwissFoundations Symposium 2026

At this year’s Swiss Foundations Symposium 2026, And Action!, Somaha Foundation contributed to the session Localization in Action: How Can Our Partnerships Strengthen Local Ecosystems in Turbulent Times? 

The interactive and multilingual session generated significant interest, with over 100 registrations. Representatives from foundations and NGOs came together to reflect on the challenges they face in developing partnerships. The discussion focused on how shifting aid flows and optimized processes impact the strengthening of local partnerships, and what changes the organizations are working on in their practices.
The session brought together Martin Gallard (Terre des hommes), Catriona Gourlay (PeaceNexus, Co-lead of the SF WGIC), Katharina Pompilio (Botnar Foundation, Co-lead of the SF WGIC), Thierry Renaud (Fondation Hans Wilsdorf), Marisa Saladin (Somaha Foundation), and Simon Junker (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC). 

On behalf of Somaha Foundation, Marisa Saladin presented the Somaha Localization Model(opens in new tab) and the Localization Assessment(opens in new tab). The discussion highlighted that there is no one-size-fits-all model for localization: different contexts and partnerships require different approaches. Another aspect highlighted during the session was the importance of transformation within international organizations. Sustainable local impact and ownership cannot be achieved through strengthening local organizations alone. International organizations also need to further develop their strategies, structures, decision-making processes, as well as organizational culture, and reflect on their own practices. 

Afterwards, participants had the opportunity to exchange concrete questions from their partnership practice and engage in peer coaching in facilitated small groups. The openness to sharing both successes and challenges demonstrated the strong interest in practical exchange and mutual learning. 

A sincere thank you to all participants, speakers, and facilitators, as well as to SwissFoundations for the successful organization and the open exchange. 

 Take action! 

• The exchange and joint learning continues beyond the Symposium. The Localization Hub is a community for Swiss foundations and their funding partners that are working together to advance localization. It focuses on exchanging practical tools and approaches, as well as collaborative learning.  For more information, please contact Marisa Saladin(opens in new tab). 
• By signing the Call to Action on Locally Led Development,(opens in new tab) organizations, foundations, and governments can reaffirm their commitment to locally led development and encourage the international community to take action (or implement best practices). 
• On October 13, the Workshop to Accelerate the Localization Agenda in Switzerland(opens in new tab) will take place, organized by the Swiss Agency for Devleopment and Cooperation (SDC) and the International Cooperation Working Group of SwissFoundations.