Why not local? INGO statement on the urgent need to accelerate progress and accountability towards local leadership of humanitarian action

Home Why not local? INGO statement on the urgent need to accelerate progress and accountability towards local leadership of humanitarian action
October 10, 2024 -

Ahead of the Grand Bargain Annual Meeting, we, the undersigned leaders from international NGOs (INGOs) and INGO platforms, call on the international community – notably donor governments, INGOs and UN agencies – to urgently accelerate efforts to promote and demonstrate equitable partnership with diverse local civil society organizations in humanitarian action.

Why this statement at this time? As INGOs, we acknowledge that we have to improve and accelerate our own efforts to transform our organisational culture, practices and behaviours which shape how we work with and treat local actors. Prior to the scale-up of cash programming, the humanitarian sector was challenged to ask itself the question “why not cash? Likewise today, we should be asking “why not local?” Posing this question, and acting on it, requires international agencies to look at how they are configured to better support and reinforce diverse local actors, including those often left behind such as women-led, refugee-led, youth-led and other organizations representing at risk sections of society. Obviously, localisation efforts must be informed by the priorities of national and local actors, but INGOs and other international agencies have to respond to those priorities and contribute to a collective effort on them.

In this context, and based on consultations with local actors, we outline the following three recommendations for donors and international agencies involved in humanitarian action:

  1. Establish safe processes to promote mutual accountability between international agencies and their local partners; including honest reflection on the extent to which partnerships are equitable and empowering, rather than transactional or top-down. Both donors and intermediary agencies should factor this into the future design of partnerships, grants and consortia.
  2. Establish and regularly assess progress against organisation-wide, measurable localisation plans at global and country levels; including actions towards (a) increasing local partners’ direct access to funding opportunities; (b) supporting local partners to take on leadership or co-leadership roles in the management of grants, partnerships and consortia; and (c) resourcing investments in capacity sharing and institutional strengthening of partners.
  3. Implement a partnership-based approach to risk management (‘risk sharing’) for grants and consortia. Beyond investing in local partners’ efforts and systems to prevent, mitigate and manage risks (e.g. funding for safety and security and for wider institutional development), particular attention is needed to ensure a partnership approach is maintained when risks materialise, so that the costs and consequences do not fall disproportionately on local partners.

The above three issues reflect priorities raised by diverse national and local actors through the Grand Bargain Caucus on the Role of Intermediaries, the Caucus on Funding for Localisation, the Grand Bargain Risk Sharing Framework and country-level dialogues on localisation. But there remain serious concerns over the gap between the policy or practical recommendations arising from those processes and delivery on the ground.

More than ever, localisation is seen as a priority in on-going major crises such as Sudan, Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. In a time of funding cuts and spiraling needs, supporting local leadership is the right thing to do, but it will also make the humanitarian system more efficient and effective. Agencies share good practices through initiatives such as the Charter4Change, Pledge4Change, RINGO and Shift the Power. Yet all too often, localisation remains more in the realm of rhetoric with too little action in practice and even less accountability. Globally local actors are estimated to receive directly approximately 1.2% of total humanitarian funding.

National and local actors have advocated for action on these priorities, but there remains a persistent gap between the commitments made at global level and the practices of international agencies on the ground. Accountability for localisation remains weak or absent amongst most donors and intermediary agencies. In fact, at present, some donors actively disincentivise steps towards more equitable partnership. For example, if an INGO adopts a global policy to provide an adequate, fair and consistent level of overheads support to local partners, that INGO may be seen as less competitive by some donors than peers who do not provide their local partners such critical support. As the momentum on localisation and equitable partnerships increase, some INGOs are taking genuine substantive action to change their policies and practices. Others are rebranding sub-granting programmes as ‘localisation platforms’ and deliver top-down local partner training for donor compliance, labelled as ‘capacity strengthening’. As yet, there is no consistent approach by donors to holding INGOs and UN agencies accountable for meaningful action on support to local leadership.

Transformative change requires deliberate action by all, donors, UN agencies, INGOs, national and local actors alike. The undersigned INGOs are compiling examples of actions on the above priorities that we have planned to implement between now and Autumn 2026, the end of the current phase of the Grand Bargain, which will be shared in dialogue about this statement. We recognise that none of us are yet where we need and aspire to be on these issues, and that deeper and more ambitious change is required. To catalyse that change, both within our own agencies and across the wider sector, we invite peer agencies to publish their commitments to act on these issues; local actors to challenge us on what more we could be doing; and donors to translate these priorities into their policy and practice. The time has come for action and accountability.

Signatories

  • Erika Lysen: CEO, Act Church of Sweden
  • Arthur Larok: Secretary General, ActionAid International
  • Christian Molke: Director / Chairman of the Board, ADRA Germany
  • Christine Allen: Director, CAFOD
  • Reintje van Haeringen: Chair, CARE International Executive Committee, CARE International
  • Andreas Knapp: Secretary General International Programmes, Caritas Austria
  • Luc Van Haute: Managing Director, Caritas Belgium
  • Dr. Oliver Müller: International Director, Caritas Germany
  • David Bainbridge: Executive Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion
  • Patrick Watt: CEO, Christian Aid
  • Heleen van den Berg: CEO, CORDAID
  • Sean Callahan: CEO, CRS
  • Jonas Vejsager Nøddekær: Secretary General, Danish Church Aid
  • Charlotte Slente: Secretary General, Danish Refugee Council
  • Martin Kessler: Director, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH)
  • Reintje van Haeringen (Chair, Board of Supervisors) and Tram Nguyen (Chair, Board of
  • Directors), Dutch Relief Alliance
  • Dr. Thorsten Klose-Zuber: Secretary General, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V.
  • Cherian Mathews: CEO, HelpAge
  • Waseem Ahmad: CEO, Islamic Relief Worldwide
  • Susanne Wesemann: Director, Johanniter International Assistance
  • Maria Immonen: Director, Lutheran World Federation
  • Tjada D’Oyen McKenna: CEO, Mercy Corps
  • Betina Gollander-Jensen: Secretary General, Mission East
  • Dagfinn Høybråten: General Secretary, Norwegian Church Aid
  • Jan Egeland: Secretary General, Norwegian Refugee Council
  • Amitabh Behar: Executive Director, Oxfam International
  • Šimon Pánek: CEO, People in Need
  • Maciej Bagiński: President of the Board of Directors, Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH)
  • Jeremy Konyndyk: President, Refugees International
  • Inger Ashing: CEO, Save the Children International
  • Christina Bennett: CEO, Start Network
  • Tom Dannatt: CEO, Street Child
  • Nigel Harris: CEO, Tearfund
  • Caoimhe de Barra: CEO, Trocaire
  • Chris Lukkien: CEO, ZOA
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Zia Salik

Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK

Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach. 

As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.

Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.

Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.

Nadeem Malik

Interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) and Managing Director of Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO. 

Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.

In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.

Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.

As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’

Saqeb Mueen

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Saqeb joined Islamic Relief in 2025, bringing with him extensive experience in strategic communications and policy engagement. He served for more than two decades at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), including eight years as Director of Communications, where he led high-impact media campaigns and worked with major international organisations including the European Union, NATO as well as national governments. Saqeb was also the first Head of Communications for Tech Against Terrorism, an online counter-terrorist organisation backed by the United Nations, where he developed and established its public relations capabilities. Saqeb has advised UK Muslim organisations on communications and public affairs as they foster interfaith initiatives and tackle racism and Islamophobia. Saqeb holds a BA in History from University College London and an MA in War Studies from King’s College London. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI.
Asha Ahmad

Director of People and Culture

Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.

Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.

Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

new director

Director of Network and Resource Development

Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.

Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.

Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.

Nadeem Azhar

General Counsel

Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.

He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.

Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.

Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.

Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.

Salaheddin Aboulgasem

Interim Director of Global Family Development

Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.

Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.

In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.

Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.

Board of Directors
Javed Akhtar

Director of Finance

Javed Akhtar has more than a decade of experience at Islamic Relief, having worked in a similar role between 2003-2014. In that role he strove to implement wide-ranging financial and accounting processes which aided in the transparent nature in which Islamic Relief now operates.

Javed also has diverse experience across the private sector, having worked at American chemicals and pharmaceutical giant DuPont, shipping firm FedEX and technology consultancy company Accenture. In all his roles, he prioritises using the latest technologies to improve monitoring and reporting at every level. Javed’s commitment to embracing digital end-to-end technology, enhancing accountability to our stakeholders and promoting financial transparency is ensuring that we remain at the forefront of financial developments in the sector.

By training, Javed is a chartered accountant with a Master’s degree in NGO Management with Charity Accounting and Financial Management from Cass Business School.
Board of Directors
Affan Cheema  

Director of International Programmes

Affan Cheema is an experienced leader who has spent 25 years working in the international aid sector on poverty eradication in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He has worked in fast onset emergencies, protracted crisis and development environments whilst working for Islamic Relief Worldwide and Care International. He is also a trustee of South West International Development Network (SWIDN).

Through his career Affan has held numerous roles including institutional fundraising, programme and grant management, and programme quality assurance.  Affan’s leadership has helped Islamic Relief Worldwide secure the highly coveted Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), seen as the sector’s premier benchmark for operational excellence.

Affan completed his BA in Economics and Geography from University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and his MSc in Development Administration and Planning from the University of Bristol. He is PRINCE2 qualified, is a keen sportsman and recently co-edited a book entitled -Islam and International Development: Insights for working with Muslim Communities-.
Board of Directors
Dr Hossam Said

Managing Director, Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD)

For nearly three decades Dr Hossam has provided the strategic vision to manage, lead and develop a range of international humanitarian interventions around the world.

At the start of his career, Dr Hossam served on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, before moving to Islamic Relief Worldwide to manage the core global business activities as International Programmes Director.

During this time the organisation increased its global reach, gaining both domestic and international repute and credibility. Dr Hossam has also served on the Islamic Relief Worldwide Board of Management and Executive Committee for the past 15 years; sharing responsibility for strategic organisational development and the change management process, whilst forging strong relationships with many other charities.

Dr Hossam gained an MBA from Aston Business School in 2004 and graduated as a Medical Doctor from Cairo University in 1981.
Board of Directors
Martin Cottingham  

Director of External Relations and Advocacy

Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.

Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.

Tufail Hussain

Director of Islamic Relief UK

Tufail Hussain has 17 years’ experience in the humanitarian and development sector, leading on marketing and fundraising campaigns for several organisations before joining Islamic Relief UK in 2016 as Deputy Director. Tufail was appointed Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2019 and in 2021 provided valuable leadership as interim CEO of Islamic Relief Worldwide.

Tufail is driven by a passion for empowering disadvantaged youth and mentors a number of young people. He also works to strengthen engagement between British Muslims and wider society. Under his leadership, Islamic Relief UK has significantly increased its income and developed successful partnerships with communities across the country. He has travelled around the world to raise awareness of major emergencies such as the Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan crises and the floods in Pakistan and Sudan.

A father to 5 daughters and a son, Tufail is also a sports enthusiast and passionate Liverpool FC supporter. Tufail has run the London Marathon twice, raising over £35,000 for humanitarian causes.

Before joining Islamic Relief he was CEO of Orphans in Need, where he oversaw a new strategy that increased income from £2 million to £9 million in 3 years and opened up new UK and international offices. Tufail is also a trustee of the Muslim Charities Forum and a Director of TIC International (Islamic Relief Worldwide’s clothes recycling and trading arm).
Waseem Ahmad

Chief Executive Officer

Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.

Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.

With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.