What can we learn from locally led experiences in Sudan?

While it is easy to say that partnership is a two-way process, this is not so easy to implement in practice. Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) wish to respect partners’ agency and recognise the inherent power imbalances that exist in a partnership relationship. Having worked in self-implementing international non-governmental organisations, we’ve seen firsthand how traditional aid models can sometimes sideline local knowledge and reinforce Western-dominated narratives. That’s why we value the model that NPA champions. We are actively challenging those imbalances by prioritising local leadership, amplifying community voices and shifting from a model of imposition to one of genuine collaboration. It’s not just a different approach; it’s a necessary correction in a sector that has struggled to adhere to the values of anti-colonialism, independence and participation.