DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH NATIONAL/COUNTRY HUMANITARIAN/NGO DELEGATIONS

The differences in the Developed World (DW),as well as in the Developing World(DvW) Delegations or National/Country Offices.

The North South difference of course prevails, even in Humanitarian Aid, in reference to what?

To the capacities the National/Country Offices (NCO) have, not only financially, because each NCO has to normally sustain themselves in different cases locally for the functioning, or perhaps they are totally financed by the Head Organization, which I think is a special case.

Some are financed for some precise projects or areas. NCO of the North are normally more financially stable, as well equipped. These perhaps are able to support punctually, for some specific. project or area to the NCO of the South, so the invisible wall North and South, is always there in the sense, that the NCO offices in DvW are almost always in some cases short of financial income, in order to improve their technical and field capacities. Of course is responsibility of the each NCO to raise funds, to be able to operate and comply with all requirements as representation, delegation, national or country office. Some goverbment might support but is rare at least in DvW.

In the DvW are not accustomed to donate or give, to sponsorship, to volunteer, even thought now there is more conscious in some way of this. This is more popular in DW, as well as volunteering.

In DvW there is a volunteering in a certain degree, but is not very common for persons in DvW, to do something for no financial recognition, there has to be a change in the mind set, of what is really is volunteering and specially in a NCO and their field offices.

The difference will continue, unless of course there is a change, in the sense that NCO in South are empowered ,and given the necessary tools, techniques and know how, but not for receive partial or temporary specific support, but a support that creates empowerment, ability to self sustained themselves, in a better way. there is a needed change of mind set, to be done also from DvW, and they should also seek innovative ways, to fund themselves.

The World Map is clear, now we have the NCO in different countries, that are working in extreme conditions, due to conflicts and other things. Most of them are really of course in DvW and are being sustain in these crises by either different financial, or humanitarian organizations, and perhaps other contributors. but of course is only temporary

.There are many challenges for any NCO, these NCO can be, and in many cases are the spearhead of Humanitarian Action.

My desire is that all NCO will be well equipped, with what they need, not only financially, and the greatest treasure in a NCO is the field staff as well as Volunteers, if they have these.

Best to ALL the NCO in the Humanitarian Aid Field.