On 29 October 2026, representatives of local and regional governments (LRGs) met for an open discussion on their engagement in international solidarity, with a focus on humanitarian action. The Global Cities Hub serves as a platform for facilitating the exchange among LRGs on the different dimensions of subnational donorship.
While state donorship is well documented, subnational donorship remains under-researched, particularly in its multilateral dimension. Representatives from cities and regions in Canada, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom shared their experiences and sparkled discussion over the challenges.
Subnational contributions to development cooperation and humanitarian aid have grown significantly over the years for some cities and regions. Examples show that some of them have met the 0.7% target for several years, outperforming their respective national governments. However, with more means sometimes come more challenges, notably the lack of capacities within their administrations.
The discussion revealed that the basis for donorship varies significantly, ranging from established legal framework (albeit one that leaves room for ambiguity in implementation) to ad hoc political decisions answering the need to disburse funds quickly in crisis situations. Allocation criteria differ just as much: some cities and regions actively balance sudden-onset crises against protracted or “forgotten” ones, while others are directed by political decisions. All in all, it was underlined that LRGs need to develop a more strategic approach to humanitarian funding rather than reacting case by case.
Regarding the recipient channels: some cities/regions provide direct funding to UN entities and most fund their local/regional NGOs. Favouring localized funding has been highlighted as a means to support actors with strong on-the-ground knowledge.
There exist many funding modalities, ranging from core funding to soft or strict earmarking funding for specific programmes. Pooled funds (UN-led or others, such as the START fund) are used or increasingly being considered as an option to provide humanitarian funding in an effective way. As regards UN entities, funding can be conveyed through national committees of international organizations, when they exist. Some resistance remains, however, regarding cash assistance – despite the fact that it is widely recognized as an efficient and dignified form of humanitarian aid, allowing recipients to choose what they need most.
It was interesting to hear that almost no city or region coordinates its humanitarian funding with the national level, though coordination at subnational levels does occur in some cases.
The discussion highlighted common challenges, notably the need for strategic thinking beyond simply channelling funds, and for managing growing budgets without sacrificing implementation flexibility. The Global Cities Hub will continue to support this informal exchange, recognizing the mutual benefits for donor cities and regions. Wish to join the discussion? Contact us!
📸 Salah Darwish on Unsplash
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