Annual report

part of the pilot.
In 2022, the pilot countries delivered a shared 
context, situational and needs analysis, as well 
as a common plan for the respective countries 
in line with IFRC’s unified planning. In 2023, the 
priority will be to develop a common account-
ability framework and a harmonized resource 
mobilization strategy. Ultimately, at the end 
of 2023, the countries should have a common 
implementation model using shared leadership 
and country support mechanisms.
152
Annual Report 
2022

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NATIONAL 
SOCIETY 
DEVELOPMENT
Context
In recent years – particularly since the 2016 
Grand Bargain and the trials of COVID-19 – there 
has been a shift in focus towards localization 
and the importance of local actors in delivering 
humanitarian support.
However, the IFRC, which has more than a 
century of experience in supporting National 
Societies, has always understood that the future 
of humanitarian action is local.
National Societies work within communities 
large and small in 192 countries every day – 
supporting them to prepare for and withstand 
disasters and crises, and to recover with greater 
resilience and agency.
These services are provided by some 16.5 million 
Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across 
more than 197,000 local branches – an unpar-
alleled permanent presence in communities, 
backed up by the global reach and solidarity 
of the IFRC.
Local action is the bedrock of the IFRC. However, 
the global and local reach of the network 
depends on each individual National Society 
working as an independent, self-sustained 
and well-functioning organization, one that is 
trusted by communities, governments, part-
ners and donors.
Strong local actors can anticipate emerging and 
fast-changing needs, support community resil-
ience, provide life-saving humanitarian action 
and contribute to the success of the Sustainable 
Development Goals, all while contributing to the 
maintenance of peace.
The ownership and primary responsibility for 
National Society development rests with each 
individual National Society itself. However, the 
IFRC also has a constitutional responsibility to 
establish, maintain and continuously support 
its member National Societies to develop their 
capacities and abilities.
As such, National Society Development is one of 
the IFRC’s core Enabling Functions.