Post by Arne Næss-Holm

Global uncertainty is growing. So is the need for strong local leadership. After four intense and inspiring days with Norwegian Church Aid / Kirkens Nødhjelp's Country Directors and Heads of Mission from across the world, I am left with one clear takeaway: 📌 Leadership matters — and business as usual is no longer enough. We are operating in a reality of rising humanitarian needs, shrinking civic space, and increasing expectations. In that space, our local partners and Country Offices are navigating uncertainty, making tough calls, and holding together partnerships that make real change possible. And we were honest with ourselves: 📢 We are at a strategic crossroads 📢 Localisation must move from ambitions words to real and stronger shifts in power 📢 Accountability, data, and risk management need to be sharper than ever But beyond all the strategy discussions, one thing stood out even more: 👥 Being in the same room makes a difference. In a global organisation, we spend most of our time in different countries and contexts and on screens. But it’s when we meet face-to-face that we build the trust, alignment, and shared direction we actually depend on when things get difficult. We don’t leave with a perfect plan. But we leave sharper, focused, more aligned — and with even greater confidence in the leadership of our Country Directors and partners. And right now, that may be one of the most important things we have.