Summary: A significant workshop on the Grand Bargain and the establishment of a National Reference Group (NRG) took place in Lalitpur on May 24, 2023. The workshop was organized by DiMaNN and DPNet in collaboration with ActionAid Nepal, Tearfund, and NEAR. The event highlighted the importance of disaster management, women’s inclusion in leadership roles, involvement of women’s groups in humanitarian efforts, local leaders’ value in response strategies, and the achievements of the Grand Bargain. The workshop concluded with the decision to form a National Reference Group comprising members from various organizations. DPNet was appointed as the coordinator of the committee, which will focus on coordinating initiatives, devising terms of reference, and future plans for the NRG. The workshop aimed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid, promote collective bargaining power, local leadership, and inclusivity in all humanitarian actions.

News in Detail:
A thought-provoking workshop addressing the Grand Bargain and the establishment of a National Reference Group (NRG) was recently held in Lalitpur, Nepal. The workshop, facilitated by DiMaNN and DPNet in partnership with ActionAid Nepal, Tearfund, and NEAR, aimed to promote effective humanitarian response, disaster management, and inclusivity. Distinguished speakers emphasized the need for transparency, efficiency, community involvement, women’s leadership, and local leadership in humanitarian aid efforts.

The workshop, chaired by Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of DiMaNN/DPNet, commenced with welcoming remarks. Sujeeta Mathema from ActionAid Nepal stressed the importance of disaster management and called for women’s inclusion in leadership roles. Mr. Pratap Maharjan of ActionAid highlighted the significance of involving women’s groups in humanitarian efforts. Ms. Shahida Arif from NEAR emphasized the value of local leaders in crafting effective response strategies. Mr. Hasta Bahadur Sunar from Tearfund shed light on the achievements of the Grand Bargain. Dr. Raju Thapa shared feedback from DPNet’s virtual discussion platform, emphasizing the need for improved transparency, efficiency, and community involvement in disaster aid management. Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha from NEAR explained the origins and structure of the Grand Bargain and highlighted the future role of the NRG.

Formation of the National Reference Group: The workshop concluded with the decision to form a National Reference Group comprising representatives from various organizations, including DiMaNN Nepal, DPNet, NGO Federation, NFDN, RDN, WFDA/FEDO, NSET/NEAR, ActionAid, and Tearfund. DPNet was appointed as the coordinator of the committee, responsible for overseeing its activities and playing a crucial role in developing the NRG. The committee’s focus will be on coordinating initiatives, devising terms of reference, and planning for the future of the NRG.

Collective Vision: The workshop emphasized the collective vision of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian aid, promoting collective bargaining power, local leadership, and inclusivity in all humanitarian actions. Participants stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and community involvement in disaster management. The establishment of the NRG and coordination among various stakeholders were seen as key steps toward achieving these goals.

Looking Ahead: The workshop provided valuable insights into the Grand Bargain, the NRG, and the importance of inclusive and transparent humanitarian aid. It set the stage for further discussions and actions to improve the humanitarian aid system in Nepal. The next steps include developing the NRG’s terms of reference and future plans.